Walrus Odobenus rosmarus

Walruses are native to seas around the Arctic and are marine mammals distantly related to sea lions and fur seals.

The only species in their genus, there are three subspecies of Walrus depending on geographic region (Atlantic, Laptev and Pacific). Shown is the Pacific Walrus.

The Walrus is known for its long, parallel tusks. Both male and female adults have the tusks, males tusks being longer, but some of those shown have had their tusks removed. (One is shown with small tusks, capped for safety reasons.)

They are also known for their moustaches (also a feature of both male and female). As with sea lions, the male walrus is about twice the size and weight of the female, reaching 3-3.5 metres long.

Females weigh up to 1000Kg and males double that. Because of their weight, they are cumbersome on land but can be graceful in the water.

The weight is mainly due to the large amount of blubber under the skin - needed to keep the Walrus warm in Arctic waters. Among Pinnipeds (seals, sealions), only the Elephant Seals are larger and heavier than the Walrus.