It ’s not every day the people of southwestern Ireland see awalrus . Lately , they ’ve beenseeingmore of one than they might care .
An 1800 - British pound seahorse dubbed Wally has been sightseeing away from the Arctic since March , when he was first spotted in the piddle around Kerry after move nearly 2500 miles along the coast of westerly Europe . Only ahandfulof walruses have been see in Ireland . No one is quite sure why Wally made the journey , although theories about finding food or even falling at peace on an iceberg lettuce and wake up in Ireland abound . But now that he ’s there , he ’s make his presence make out .
Because seahorse are semi - aquatic and come to dry land to rest , Wally has been able to get out himself onto small vessel , leading to significant damage and at least two capsize events . Boat owners have beenadvisedto try and work up makeshift barriers preventing his embarkation . There ’s also concern he may get on an engaged boat or even prevent an emergency fomite from responding .
The riding habit of this burly visitor have draw the tending of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue , an animal welfare group . The BDMLR has constructed a improvised pontoon for Wally , which resembles a floating lounge . Boaters want the walrus to choose for the seaworthy piece of furniture , rather than their vessel , when he wants to relax . So far , it ’s work : Wally climbed on it during a stay in the Isles of Scilly in July . With Wally now in Crookhaven , local hope he ’ll continue using one provide by the Seal Rescue Ireland team .
Although humanistic hindrance have been attempted , Wally does n’t seem abominably bother . After airhorns were used a few times to keep him aside from the seaport or boat slipway , he simply got used to them . expert also trust Wally was fed from gravy holder occupants at one fourth dimension , making him agreeable to boarding .
Despite — or perhaps because of — his status as an lovely sea scourge , locals have taken to monetizing Wally ’s popularity . In Wales , where Wally lounged for weeks , souvenirs areavailable , and pubs serve Wally - branded beer on tap . functionary are also following Wally to check that excursionist do n’t disrupt his natural behaviors .
Owing to risks of sedation and the difficulty in maneuver a most one - net ton animal , pressure relocation back to the Arctic is n’t being consider . Wally is expected to go on up to the westerly seaside . Until then , locals are being advised to keep their space from Wally , but when he ’s busy doing things likebalancinga starfish on his nose , not paying tending is sluttish said than done .
[ h / tIrish Examiner ]
