The walrus nicknamed ‘Wally’ who has been resting on boats and sinking as many as a dozen in the Isles of Scilly and Ireland.
Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) have appealed to locals for the donation of an unused rib or a large pontoon to use as a ‘designated haul out site’ the Irish Examiner reported. The SRI has also been liaising with British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) who helped install a floating pontoon for Wally during his six-week stint in the Isles of Scilly in July, on how best to respond.
Image: British divers Marine Life Rescue
Image: Clonakilty Distillery
Image: Clonakilty Distillery
BDMLR say the walrus has travelled as much as 4000km along the coast of western Europe over the last four months. Originating from arctic waters, they are uncertain why he is here, but factors could include climate change or that he is a lone, pre-breeding male. The estimate is that he is about four years old.
For an apparently healthy animal, physical capture and relocation is not warranted, explains BDMLR. It is an extremely difficult and potentially dangerous option for the walrus and for any handlers involved.
Wally, who weighs about a tonne, has damaged or sunk a dozen boats around the Isles of Scilly and Ireland since arriving in mid-June. The hope is that he will head north to the Arctic soon.
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