1,200-pound walrus steals spotlight ahead of marine life theme park’s opening on 23 May
Even before the much-awaited grand opening of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, 23 May, a 1,200-pound walrus named Smooshi is already stealing the spotlight.
Smooshi and her calf Kayuk arrived safely in Abu Dhabi last week from Marineland theme park in Ontario, Canada. She will live with other walruses in a new habitat “designed specifically for the species”, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi said in a statement to the BBC.
Poised to be one of the star attractions of the marine life facility, Smooshi is no stranger to the limelight. She hit the headlines recently due to a widely publicised 10-year legal battle between Smooshi’s former caretaker Phil Demers and Marineland, which eventually led Smooshi to her new home in Abu Dhabi.
The SeaWorld Abu Dhabi spans 183,000 square metres across five indoor levels. The facility will be home to over 100,000 marine animals, including 150 species of birds, fish, mammals and reptiles. Visitors can enjoy immersive experiences through eight uniquely themed realms, featuring up-close animal encounters, rides, entertainment, as well as dining and shopping experiences.
The coldest of all realms will simulate the temperatures found in the polar regions, well-suited for animals like penguins and walruses.
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Demers reached an amicable settlement in September with Marineland, which agreed to rehome the walruses to Abu Dhabi reportedly on a lease agreement.
The former walrus trainer at Marineland shared a strong bond with Smooshi, which considered Demers as its mother shortly after arriving at Marineland as a calf. Demers is now looking forward to an emotional reunion with Smooshi in Abu Dhabi after being separated for 10 years during the legal battle.
So when you walk through Seaworld Abu Dhabi’s gates next week, don’t be surprised when a walrus gets rock-star treatment from visitors. Her journey to her new home has warmed the hearts of many, and fans are certainly eager to get a glimpse and an Insta moment with one of Abu Dhabi’s newest residents.
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