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20th Sep 2021

You’ll never guess where Wally the Walrus has been spotted

Fiona Frawley

We’ve been closely following his movements all summer and taken inspiration from his lengthly naps in the sun, and we’re delighted to hear Wally has been spotted again.

22 days after the last confirmed sighting off the coast of West Cork, Seal Rescue Ireland have confirmed that Wally has been spotted again – this time over 900km away in Iceland.

After comparing photos with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), SRI have been able to confirm this recently sighted walrus is indeed our beloved Wally, based on the scars on both of his front flippers. SRI have kept a close watchful eye on Wally throughout his time in Ireland, providing updates and offering important advice for anyone who came across the 800kg pinniped. In an Instagram post after the most recent sighting, they said:

We are absolutely over the moon that he’s not only still alive and well, but he is well on his way home to the Arctic. He was seen swimming back out to sea last night (and even managed to avoid sinking any boats while he was there)!

They also thanked members of the public who have shown support and love for Wally by giving him space to heal and regroup along the Irish coast ahead of his impressive journey, and expressed again the positive effect of keeping human interaction with animals such as Wally at a minimum:

Thanks to his ability to feed and rest, he has successfully made the long stretch and will hopefully reunite with his own kind again soon. Please always remember to give wildlife space, and put their safety and welfare first!

We’re delighted for Wally, and hope he gains some street cred with his fellow walruses for his newly gained status as an Irish cultural icon.

Header image via Instagram/motamyndir

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