Just who is Walkie the Walrus?

April 20, 2017

Walkie the Walrus is the world's only walking walrus and the Walkathon Mascot

Walkie was born on October 5th, 2013 with a very rare condition that left him unable to swim like other walruses. As his parents cried their eyes out, sure that he would be eaten by a polar bear, Walkie refused to give up, telling his brother:

"If I can't swim, I'll teach myself to walk."

Walkie with volunteers at 2016 Chubu Walkathon

His brother thought it would be impossible, but over the next few months Walkie never gave up. His persistent courage allowed him to become the world’s only walking walrus. As soon as he could he walked south away from the polar bear regions and kept on going.


He arrived at the Chubu Walkathon on May 18th, 2014 and was immediately adopted as the Walkathon Mascot for his walking prowess.

Walkie with volunteers at 2016 Chubu Walkathon
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A person wearing blue jeans and white, chunky sneakers walks through a grassy field in bright, golden sunlight.

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To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Chubu Walkathon, we invite you to take part in our special 35‑Day Walk Challenge - a fun, inclusive way to stay active while supporting people and communities who need it most.
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A group of people are sitting around a table with laptops.

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