ET Remains in 'Guarded' Condition at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

32-year-old Pacific walrus believed to be suffering from an infection

TACOMA, Wash. – Pacific walrus E.T. is in stable but “guarded” condition today at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where a team of veterinarians continues to give him fluids and supportive medication for a serious illness that developed on Monday.

“His blood values point to an infection,” said head veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf. “We are continuing diagnostic tests and providing treatment based on those blood values.”

The zoo’s veterinary staff also is keeping E.T. under mild sedation while they administer treatment.

Veterinarians attempted to perform an ultrasound on the 3,300-pound walrus last night, but his extensive blubber layer prevented them from getting diagnostic readings.

Further treatment decisions will be made later today based on additional blood work, Wolf said.

E. T. became lethargic and began refusing food on Monday.

He is receiving round-the-clock attention from veterinary and other zoological staff members, including the keepers who care for him on a daily basis.

UPDATED: E.T. remains in stable but guarded condition this afternoon but has shown some improvement, based on blood work and behaviors, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium  head veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf said.  The 3,350-pound walrus drank water on his own and sucked on some ice this afternoon.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is grateful to the community for the outpouring of support and well-wishes for E.T. and his caregivers.