Wally The Walrus Caused So Much Trouble In This Coastal Town That Officials Had To Step In

Muireann and her father were taking a stroll along the Irish coast when they caught sight of a massive creature the size of a bull resting on a rock. To their surprise, the creature turned out to be a walrus–who has since become infamous for causing trouble across European shores. 

While we wouldn’t exactly call walruses cuddly creatures, they certainly have a cuteness of sorts about them–and Wally, the walrus, is no exception. Based on his appearance, you might assume that Wally is harmless. He’s a jolly and enjoyable presence, albeit one who enjoys human habitats more than his natural one. 

Although Wally has impressed people around the globe with his out-of-the-ordinary behavior, many are unaware of the unintended consequences of his actions. After all, having one of the largest animals on Earth outside of its natural habitat is bound to cause a ripple effect in one way or another. 

Despite Wally’s lovable demeanor from afar, he has managed to rile up the local populations in the areas he frequents. But what in the world could such a charming creature have done to upset people? 

In 2021, Wally’s initial appearance on the shores of County Kerry, Ireland, left both the general public and wildlife specialists bewildered, and rightly so. According to Kevin Flannery, a marine biologist at the nearby Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, “This is the first confirmed sighting of a walrus. It’s a one-off as far as I’m concerned,” as reported by the Irish Examiner. 

Indeed, most walruses are typically found much farther north in arctic waters. However, Wally is an exception to the norm as he appears to prefer living his life in warmer waters down south.

There are a few plausible explanations for Wally’s relocation. One working theory for Wally’s presence in an unusual location is that he may have accidentally journeyed there. Wally (who experts believe to be around four years old) may have fallen asleep on an iceberg and only woke once he had unintentionally drifted far beyond his normal habitat. 

In 2021, Tom Arnbom, a senior advisor for the World Wildlife Fund, spoke to BBC News and shared his perspective on Wally’s situation. Arnbom disclosed that it’s not uncommon for adolescent animals to embark on long journeys. 

According to Arnbom, walruses must eventually venture to shallower waters, typically less than 100 to 200 meters deep, to feed on their preferred diet of shellfish like mussels and clams, which they can consume in large quantities. 

Based on current observations, it appears Wally is indeed continuing to explore new territories. The walrus has been popping up all over Europe, but where was he first spotted, and by who? 

Alan and Muireann Houlihan were utterly fascinated by the out-of-place walrus. They didn’t move for some time as they stood observing the giant creature. They explained that after disappearing into the sea for a while, the walrus later resurfaced and rested on a rock for several hours.

Following his debut in County Kerry, Wally is said to have traveled to Broad Haven South beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Witnesses who spotted the wandering walrus were understandably confused and contacted the Welsh Marine Life Rescue for assistance. 

It’s certainly not every day one encounters a walrus in the wild–especially off the coast of Wales. So, Browne had a lot to say when describing Wally: she referred to him as a massive creature that was about the size of a cow.

During his time near land and human civilization, Wally was examined by Ellie West from the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Surprisingly, she noticed that Wally was slightly thinner than expected, despite the numerous reports of his voracious dining habits. However, West was relieved to report that Wally showed no signs of sickness or injury. 

Wally was spotted again in Tenby, Wales, where he reportedly stayed for a few days feasting on shellfish to his heart’s content. This left the walrus in a satisfied state, almost like a food-induced slumber. However, the location he chose to sleep off his full belly was not ideal. 

Wally, unfortunately, had unknowingly chosen an inconvenient spot to rest after several days of eating when he nestled into a long sleep on a lifeboat slipway. For obvious safety reasons, the ramp must be clear at all times. So it was deemed necessary for someone to clear the sleeping giant out of the way. 

Martyn Sidwell, a tourist who witnessed the event, shared that Wally seemed entirely unimpressed when a crew volunteer tried to remove him from the lifeboat slipway the walrus now called home. “The walrus looked at him as if to say, ‘You’re laughing,’” Sidwell recounted to the media.

Following his departure from Wales, Wally traveled along to Padstow in Cornwall, England. Fortunately for him, the reception he received there was much warmer. The residents and tourists were quite excited to see the wandering walrus. 

Nathaniel Barry, a wildlife photographer who works for Padstow Sealife Safaris, recalled his exciting experience of first spotting Wally in Padstow, Cornwall, during his boat trip. He shared his experience on Facebook, noting that at first, he and the passengers believed the animal to be a very large seal. 

​​Ever since his stay in Padstow, Wally has been spotted in warm waters across France and Spain, marking a journey that has taken him across Europe. Wally has gained significant attention as he continues to travel, making him a popular figure among fans. 

Coastal towns where Wally has been sighted have begun to take advantage of the walrus’ popularity and started selling walrus-themed merchandise and memorabilia to commemorate the occasion. Shoppers can now purchase various items, including cushions, T-shirts, and mugs adorned with Wally’s iconic image. 

Wally had garnered such significant attention from local businesses in Tenby that Harbwr, a brewery in the area, even created a beer named Tamar’s Tusk in honor of the charming creature. 

Though an entertaining spectacle for some, Wally’s presence in European waters has raised concerns for others. His behavior, which is natural and harmless in his arctic environment, is not suitable for the coastal areas he has been visiting. 

Hourston commented that Wally’s presence in European waters had caused some disruption and concern, and some people started to question whether he should be returned to his arctic home. 

DEFRA stated to The Sun in 2021 that relocating marine mammals like Wally can cause significant stress to the animal, plus there is no assurance that they won’t return to their original location. This news wasn’t well received by locals, who were, in large part, becoming frustrated with Wally’s behavior. 

As we mentioned earlier, it is possible that Wally arrived in Europe on an iceberg. And circling back to this idea, such a scenario is quite plausible when considering typical walrus behavior. 

The Smithsonian Museum has described how walruses typically use sea ice as a haven when nursing their young and when hunting clams and other bottom-dwelling creatures. However, in areas with warmer waters where sea ice is scarce or nonexistent, walruses need to find alternative platforms upon which to rest. 

Many consider it a rare occurrence to witness a walrus hauling itself up on the boat deck while enjoying a pleasant boat ride and regard it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sailor Rafe Ward, the owner of the Calypso yacht, is a prime example. 

According to a statement Ward made to Wales Online in 2021, he was uncertain whether he and his passengers would be able to spot Wally. However, they managed to locate him almost immediately after starting their voyage.

Ward went on to explain that Wally seemed to be in a friendly mood and simply wanted to greet everyone. And everyone aboard the vessel felt likewise, finding the experience thrilling. One passenger even stated it was even more exciting than his diving excursion at the Great Barrier Reef.

According to reports, certain boats are incapable of sustaining Wally’s enormous weight, and as a result, they have allegedly sunk. Furthermore, after boarding certain vessels, the walrus renders them inoperable for several days. 

Isaac Scoble, a distressed boat owner, made a plea to the online community to understand his situation by saying, “The walrus needs to go.” 

Another local online user, Joy Hughes, also joined the chorus of voices calling for measures against Wally. In her statement, she said, “He’s lovely, but sorry, Wally, you’re becoming a menace and dangerous, too. This will not end well if he stays much longer.” 

As an example, Wally inadvertently overturned a dinghy in Tenby while attempting to board it like he would an iceberg. Fortunately, no one was on board then, and no harm was done. But for many, this was a wake-up call to the potential physical dangers Wally and his large body could inflict on others. 

According to a statement from BDMLR, the rescue group claimed that, regrettably, the presence of Wally in a commercial harbor within an island community poses significant hazards. The risks include harm to Wally himself, economic stability, and potential danger to human lives. 

At the moment, it appears that Wally will remain where he is. So rather than continue to protest against the giant creature, County Cork, Ireland, has devised another approach. Instead of trying to oust the walrus, they seek to be more welcoming to their new inhabitant. 

Typically, the motorboat would be out collecting botanicals for the gin-making process, but currently, it’s functioning as a temporary resting place for Wally. To support the displaced walrus, the distillery has put the boat to use by providing Wally with a safe spot to rest for as long as required. 

While a more permanent solution is sought, officials are appealing to the general public to mimic the gin company and provide Wally with a spot to relax. With this public plea, officials hope to find assistance in their quest to aid Wally while at the same time aiding the community.

​​Despite his adorable and seemingly friendly nature, Seal Rescue Ireland urges the public to treat Wally like any other wild animal. The organization recognizes the need to address this issue as Wally spends so much of his time close to inhabited areas. 

Malcolm Noonan, a politician for the U.K.’s Green Party, likened the situation with Wally, the walrus, to that of other wild animals like foxes or rabbits, which are protected under the law. He emphasized the importance of treating Wally with consideration and respect, given that he is far from his natural habitat.