ET is Again in 'Guarded' Condition at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

32-year-old walrus receiving fluids and medications as veterinarians monitor his illness

TACOMA, Wash. – Pacific walrus E.T. is in “guarded” condition again today at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where veterinarians are administering fluids and medications.

He is lethargic and did not eat over the weekend, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium head veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf said.

Veterinary staff continue to monitor his blood work for any signs of abnormality.

E.T. is being treated behind the scenes in the zoo’s Rocky Shores area and is not on public exhibit.

He first fell ill three weeks ago but rebounded two weeks later after treatment for lack of appetite, lethargy and a gastrointestinal infection.

The zoo’s veterinarians suspect the aging 3,000-plus-pound walrus may have an underlying condition that predisposed him to the gastrointestinal infection.

They continue to assess his condition and remain in consultation with outside marine mammal experts.

E.T. returned to public exhibit for a few days last week. At the time, Wolf said veterinarians and zookeepers would vigilantly monitor his health and behavior.

He went off exhibit again after showing signs of continued illness.