Buzz
This year, a walrus, casually named “Wally,” began an extensive journey through the western seas of Europe. He lingered off Ireland’s coast, captivating locals and visitors with his rare appearance far from his Arctic home.
However, not everyone welcomed his visit. Weighing around 1800 pounds, Wally was not a guest easily deterred from resting on small, unattended boats, often causing damage. Concerns grew that he might board a crowded vessel or disrupt rescue operations, yet relocating him was deemed impractical.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue stated in an FAQ, “For a seemingly healthy animal like Wally, capturing and relocating him is unjustified. It poses significant risks to both the walrus and handlers, especially with no temporary housing available in the UK.”
To address the situation, BDMLR volunteers constructed a raft resembling a couch, aiming to provide Wally with a more appealing resting spot than nearby boats. The hope was that he would eventually return to the Arctic on his own—and he did. After disappearing from West Cork three weeks ago, Wally traveled approximately 560 miles and was recently photographed in Hofn, Iceland. Seal Rescue Ireland compared these new images to older ones, identifying him by his unique flipper markings and confirming it was indeed Wally.
“We are thrilled beyond words that he’s not only alive and healthy but also making significant progress toward his Arctic home,” Seal Rescue Ireland shared with Reuters.
