Tyonek

Tyonek. Photo courtesy of Tracy Sinclair.

Tyonek (pronounced tie-OH-nek) is a 5-year-old male beluga calf currently living at SeaWorld San Antonio. He was rescued in Cook Inlet, Alaska on September 30th, 2017, and deemed non-releasable by NOAA.

## Rescue & Rehabilitation

On September 30, 2017, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officer was on his way back home to Anchorage, Alaska, via helicopter, following fieldwork involving the investigation of a deceased beluga on the western shore of Cook Inlet. While in the air, the officer spotted a gray silhouette lying on a mudflat, prompting an immediate course reversal to conduct an investigation. Upon landing, the officer found a beluga calf, lying in a distressed state on its side. The calf exhibited symptoms of dehydration, malnutrition, and sunburn. Subsequently, marine mammal responders in Alaska were alerted. Despite several efforts to guide the calf into deeper waters, he repeatedly turned back towards the shore. Subsequently, the decision was made to call the head veterinarian from the Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward.

While awaiting the veterinarian's arrival, a further seven or eight attempts were made to guide the calf into deeper waters, all without success. Once the veterinarian was on site, a comprehensive health assessment of the calf was conducted. Various options such as euthanasia were considered, but the head veterinarian felt that an attempt at rescue was feasible, ultimately leading to the decision to transport the calf to the Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward for rehabilitation. The beluga calf was subsequently airlifted 30 minutes into Anchorage, where the head veterinarian described the calf's state as "very relaxed and soothed, and that could've been from the vibration of the helicopter" during the flight. A team of animal care experts meticulously prepared a pool, and a response vehicle ready for the beluga calf's arrival in Anchorage. An equipped pickup truck, stocked with emergency medical supplies, water, a foam cushion, and towels, arrived to transport the calf to Seward.

Upon arrival to the Alaska Sea Life Center, the calf was admitted to the intensive care unit, where an approximate age assessment placed him at less than one month old. During the initial two hours of his stay, veterinarians provided support by gently holding the calf slightly above water to assist with breathing. In the early stages of rehabilitation, the calf required tube feeding every four hours. However, by the second month, he had successfully transitioned to bottle feeding. Subsequently, the calf exhibited consistent improvements in health and experienced daily weight gain.

In October 2017, one month after his rescue, the young beluga calf was officially named "Tyonek," a name signifying "little chief." In November, Tyonek transitioned from an indoor pool to an outdoor enclosure. By February 2018, the NOAA announced that Tyonek had been designated as non-releasable by the government due to his young age, initiating the search for a permanent home for him. Ultimately, SeaWorld San Antonio was chosen as Tyonek's permanent home, a decision which was made based on the facility’s ability to accommodate his social and medical needs, support all necessary transport and contribute to scientific research on the species to help conservation efforts in the wild, also taking into account the social dynamics of the belugas already under their care, including young male Innik, who was of the same age as Tyonek.

## Life at SeaWorld San Antonio

On March 8th, 2018, Tyonek made the 4,000 mile journey from Seward, Alaska, to SeaWorld San Antonio in Texas. Upon his arrival, an acclimatization process began in the parks rescue and rehab facility. During his initial period at SeaWorld, Tyonek received a diagnosis and subsequent treatment for lung concerns.

Later that spring, Tyonek was transferred to the beluga stadium, where he was introduced to the adult female beluga whales in hopes that one of them would act as a surrogate for Tyonek. As of 2023, Tyonek has been successfully introduced to all members of the beluga pod.

## Transfer History

Tyonek's Transfer History
 Alaska Sea Life Center, Alaska

## Gallery

* Activities pictured authorized by MMHSRP’s MMPA/ESA #18786-01. Photo courtesy of SeaWorld San Antonio.
* Tyonek stranded in Cook Inlet. Activities pictured authorized by MMHSRP’s MMPA/ESA #18786-01. Photo courtesy of Noah Meisenheimer.
* Activities pictured authorized by MMHSRP’s MMPA/ESA #18786-01. Photo courtesy of Noah Meisenheimer.
* Activities pictured authorized by MMHSRP’s MMPA/ESA #18786-01. Photo courtesy of Noah Meisenheimer.
* Activities pictured authorized by MMHSRP’s MMPA/ESA #18786-01. Photo courtesy of Alaska Sea Life Center.
* Activities pictured authorized by MMHSRP’s MMPA/ESA #18786-01. Photo courtesy of Alaska Sea Life Center.
* Activities pictured authorized by MMHSRP’s MMPA/ESA #18786-01. Photo courtesy of Alaska Sea Life Center.
* Activities pictured authorized by MMHSRP’s MMPA/ESA #18786-01. Photo courtesy of Alaska Sea Life Center.
* Betty and Tyonek. Activities pictured authorized by NMFS ESA/MMPA Permit No. 22095. Photo courtesy of SeaWorld San Antonio.
* Tyonek, Innik, and Kenai. Activities pictured authorized by NMFS ESA/MMPA Permit No. 22095. Photo courtesy of SeaWorld San Antonio.
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