Wally the walrus to get a floa

Image: bdmlr.org.uk

Wally the walrus to get a floating platform to prevent him sinking boats [photos]

Authorities in Ireland are looking for a floating platform for Wally the Walrus to prevent him from sinking boats.

Wally the walrus to get a floa

Image: bdmlr.org.uk

Wally the Arctic walrus, that’s been causing a commotion ever since May 2021 by sinking up to a dozen boats in the Isles of Scilly and Ireland, is getting his own floating ‘couch’.

Where’s Wally the Walrus?

The walrus, which weighs about a tonne, has damaged these boats since arriving in mid-June. The hope is that he will head north to the Arctic soon. In the meantime, authorities are looking for other solutions:

According to Getaway Magazine, 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.

“We are looking for a pontoon/floating platform as a safe haul-out site for the Walrus, so that he can be effectively monitored, protected from disturbance, and damage to property prevented,” the SRI said on Twitter.

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.

It is believed that the walrus has travelled as much as 4 000 km along the coast of western Europe over the last four months. Originating from arctic waters, the BDMLR are uncertain why he is there, but factors could include climate change or that he is simply a lone, pre-breeding male.

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Image: Twitter/Cormac

They believe that he is about four years old.

A dangerous option

For an apparently healthy animal, physical capture and relocation are not warranted, explains BDMLR. It is an extremely difficult and potentially dangerous option for the walrus and for any handlers involved.

Image: Clonakilty Distillery

Do not approach Wally

If he is spotted, the SRI asked the public to “please avoid approaching him within 100m (this includes boats, kayaks, swimming or on foot)”.

“This is a sensitive species that are easily disturbed and he must be able to rest.”

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Image: Emer Keaveney/ORCA Ireland