Walrus Watch: A second Walrus seen in the U.K.?

admin admin • November 20, 2021

WALRUS WATCH: A SECOND WALRUS SEEN IN THE U.K.?

ORCA SciComm Team | 20th November 2021.



This week a large walrus was spotted off the east coast of the U.K., but it's not Wally this time! A month after Wally returned to the Arctic, last to be seen in Iceland, a new Walrus has followed in his foreflippers. The Walrus was spotted on the Northumberland coastline, at Seahouses Harbour, about an hour from Newcastle on the 14th of November.

The new walrus was first observed by local tourists hauled out on ballast rocks, and images and videos were captured by Andrew Douglas, 49, who  owns a tour boat company in the local area. 

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"Freya" - Images by Andrew Douglas / Serenity Boat Tours and Natural Newbiggin.

"If it was climate change, I dont know; whether it's just a fluke I dont know" - said Mr. Douglas in an interview with the Independant.co.uk.


Local wildlife enthusiasts tweeted with excitement and a steady stream of spectators went to check out the second walrus to travel into EU and U.K. waters this year. ORCA Ireland are asking that people please follow our SeaSafe Best Practices and to respect this wild animal and keep a safe distance of at least 100m so not to disturb her. "Freya"- just like "Wally", needs her space and rest to regain strength for what may be another long arduous journey home.


There is a real possibility that this walrus will too venture into Irish waters, just like Wally, and despite ORCA Ireland's campaign "Protect ALL Pinnipeds", Ireland still lacks the protection needed to ensure that causing disturbance to a Walrus is illegal under the Wildlife Act 1976 and its amendments.  Please help us to ensure all Arctic vagrants are protected when they land on our shores....Sign the Petition: Protect All Pinnipeds in Irish waters and let's prepare, rather than fail to prepare.


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All Rights Reserved | The Ocean Research & Conservation Association of Ireland.

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