The Smile Of The Walrus (1978)

This documentary follows the migration of Pacific walruses through the Bering Sea toward the Arctic, highlighting their vital role in the subsistence and culture of the Eskimo people of St. Lawrence Island. As Philippe Cousteau and the Calypso team observe the walrus migration, they document the precarious balance between traditional indigenous hunting practices and the species’ conservation. The film features a poignant subplot involving the rescue and rehabilitation of an orphaned walrus calf named “Burke,” whose care provides scientists with unique insights into the behavior and survival needs of these animals. Ultimately, the narrative reflects on the delicate future of the walrus, emphasizing that while their population is slowly recovering, their survival remains tethered to both the preservation of their icy habitat and responsible management of the human impact on their environment.

Keywords: Walrus, Pacific, Migration, Arctic, Alaska, Bering Sea, Conservation, Indigenous Culture, Wildlife Documentary, Marine Biology, Calypso, Subsistence Hunting, Rehabilitation, Ecology.