ET Returns to Exhibit at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Pacific walrus back in the swim of things, but veterinarians will continue to watch him carefully

TACOMA, Wash. – Pacific walrus E.T. went back on exhibit at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium this afternoon, swimming around in the zoo’s Rocky Shores pool with females Joan and Basilla.

The 32-year-old, 3,350-pound walrus is rebounding from a serious gastrointestinal illness that left him lethargic and not eating two weeks ago.

He was in “guarded” condition for more than a week while veterinarians treated him.

He began eating again late last week and has been increasing his food intake, head veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf said today.

E.T. has been swimming in a pool behind-the-scenes during his recovery.

Veterinarians and zookeepers in the Rocky Shores exhibit will continue to monitor him closely and be vigilant in looking for any signs that he’s not feeling well, Wolf said.

E.T. was orphaned as a calf on Alaska’s North Slope. He was just a few months old when he arrived at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in the summer of 1982.