A baby walrus is called a calf. Born on the ice at 100-170 pounds, it rides on its mother's back in the freezing Arctic water.
Born with tiny tusk nubs — grow throughout life
Rides on mother's back in the water for first months
Nurses for 2+ years — one of the longest nursing periods
Walrus milk is 30% fat — one of the richest of any mammal
Babies are born on sea ice, not land
Can swim within hours of birth
Mother walruses form "nursery herds" to protect calves
Full tusks take 5-7 years to develop