Did You Know Walruses Have Vocal Cords? #shorts

#walrus #shorts #kpassionate
A juvenile male walrus named Balzak (pronounced Bel - Zach) demonstrates his impressive vocal range. Walruses are among the most vocal of the pinnipeds, a clade of animals that includes seals and sea lions. Walruses are unique among these animals in that they have vocal cords that they use to produce roars, growls, taps, clicks, barks, rasps, and whistles! One of the more unique vocalizations seen in this video is something we call "echo." It can be a little tricky to hear because it is a low frequency sound. This echo is not produced by the walruses vocal cords. Instead, it originates from air sacks which extend from the pharynx. These sounds are often produced underwater.

Learn more about these incredible marine mammals in my ultimate guide to walruses: https://youtu.be/Z3KmiKbq7Jo

Balzak was born at the Aquarium du Quebec back in 2016 and I had the privilege of working with this handsome walrus for several years. During that time, Balzak participated in several important research projects into the metabolism of walruses and this information was used to enact laws and policies aimed at protecting his cousins in the wild.

Recently, Balzak and his sister Lakina have moved to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium where I now have the opportunity to work with him again after several years. He looks great and I can't wait to share more of him and his sister Lakina in the near future!

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