JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) A walrus calf found on its own miles from the ocean on Alaskas North Slope last week and who received cuddles as part of his care after being rescued died on Friday.

While often rewarding, wildlife rescue is inherently unpredictable and comes with it the possibility of great loss. For those that dedicate their lives to animal care, this is the hardest part of the job, the Alaska SeaLife Center, the nonprofit research facility and public aquarium that was caring for him, said in a statement online.