By Jennifer Glickel
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Akituusaq, the baby walrus at Coney Island's New York Aquarium, died on Tuesday from complications of pneumonia. He was just two years old.
Tuusaq, as he was nicknamed, stopped eating a few days ago, which prompted his handlers to give him fluids and antibiotics, according to Jon Forrest Dohlin, the director of the aquarium.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved walrus Akituusaq and are proud of the exemplary care that our entire staff provided during this critical time," said Dohlin, according to The New York Times.
In the days leading up to his death, Wildlife Conservation Society veterinarians provided round-the-clock care to the walrus, but his 320-pound body could not fight off the illness.
Akituusaq was only the tenth walrus to be born in captivity in the United States — and the first at New York Aquarium. He thrived in his Coney Island home since his birth there in June 2007.
Aquarium visitors adored the gentle giant, whose name means "a gift given in return" in the Eskimo language of Yupik. He was constantly photographed and videotaped swimming with his mother, Kulusiq, who is now one of only two remaining walruses at the aquarium.
"We know Brooklyn was proud of Akituusaq and many loved him," said Dohlin in a statement. "This is a loss to the whole community."
