male Pacific walrus (O. r. divergens)
wild caught in May, 1961
deceased on October 12th, 1961
No known related animals.
capture 1961-May in Gambell, Alaska
transfer 1961-May-25 to New York Aquarium
death 1961-Oct-12 at New York Aquarium
The dates listed here generally represent the time at which the measurements were published, not necessarily the date on which they were taken.
1961-Oct: 300 lbs
No images available at this time.
While I am not certain of this animal's date of capture, it certainly took place at some point in May, as the herd arrived in the United States on May 25th following the associate curator of the aquarium's only two week stay in Alaska.
Aivok was estimated to be six months old at the time of his death from acute tracheal bronchitis said to be contracted from humans, despite attempts to treat him with the use of antibiotics and an oxygen tent.
Sources vary on Aivok's date of death; the annual report of the New York Zoological Society states October 12th, while at least one news report published on October 24th stated that the calf died Sunday, indicating the 22nd (October 12th fell on a Thursday in 1961). Although the authoritative source, it is possible, and even likely, that the date listed in the annual report was a minor error.
Bad cold fatal. (1961, October 24). Red Bank Register, p. 17. Retrieved from Digi Find It.
Illness fatal to walrus. (1961, October 27). Michigan State News, p. 3. Retrieved from MSU Libraries.
New York Zoological Society. (1961). Annual report of the New York Zoological Society, Vol. 66, pp. 38, 40. Retrieved from Archive.org.
We're sorry we sneezed, Aivok. (1961, October 23). Daily News, p. 6. Retrieved from Newspapers.com.