In 2008, The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) and Marine Mammal Council (MMC) designated November 24th as Walrus Day.
Walruses are marine mammals mostly found in the Arctic Circle, which are easily recognised with their moustache, enormous bodies, and long white tusks! Towards the end of autumn, they leave the Arctic shores of the Chukotka Sea to spend winter in the Bering Strait, making them vulnerable during their journey. Organisers aim to use the day to raise awareness of the diminishing populations of these marine mammals, which are listed on the IUCN Red List Status as vulnerable.
Fun fact: Walruses can hold their breath for a whopping 30 minutes and dive to depths of 90m in their hunt for lunch!
Despite facing challenges like shrinking sea ice, they make gliding through the ocean look absolutely effortless.
There's not a large number of books featuring walrus and children in Australia are very unlikely to see one, unless travelling to the Arctic, but here's what we have:
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