Orphaned baby walrus has "second chance at life" after rescue

Rescuers rushed into action Tuesday after a walrus — estimated to be only a couple of weeks old or less — was spotted alone on an Alaskan beach. 

Walruses are very reliant on their mothers for the first two years of their lives, so the newborn likely wouldn't have survived for long after being left alone, according to the Alaska SeaLife Center. She was malnourished and dehydrated when a team arrived on Tuesday. 

"She now has a second chance at life in human care, and she'll help bring awareness to her species while receiving incredible care," wildlife response animal care specialist Halley Werner said in a news release.