THOR, the walrus who has been delighting thousands with his appearances along the UK’s coastline, could soon “pop up” in Scotland, an expert has said.
Dan Jarvis, the director of welfare and conservation at British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDLMR), said the walrus would be heading north after he left the pontoon at Blyth harbour, in Northumberland.
The massive sea mammal was spotted in Blyth (below) after turning up in the Yorkshire town of Scarborough on New Year’s Eve, causing the town’s celebrations and fireworks to be cancelled.
Thor, who was the first walrus recorded in Yorkshire, had swum round from the Hampshire coast, where he was spotted earlier in December.
The walrus is believed to be a juvenile male, between three and five years old. They can live as old as 40.
Jarvis said that he appeared fit and healthy, and that he would “hopefully” continue his journey north to the arctic.
"We might not see him again or he could pop up for a rest somewhere along the Scottish coast," Jarvis added.
Walruses are a rare sight on the Scottish mainland. When one named "Wally" was seen around Caithness and Sutherland in 2018, it was the first sighting since 1954.
When Thor appeared in Hampshire, Jarvis estimated that he weighed around 750kg. A fully grown male walrus can weigh as much as 2000kg.
The BDLMR previously praised the council in Scarborough for agreeing to cancel its fireworks display for the walrus.
The organisation said: “BDMLR HQ spoke with the local council and liaison officers who explained the situation regarding fireworks to all council members who without reservation agreed the firework display would likely cause stress and alarm to the walrus, and therefore was cancelled without hesitation.
“This was an incredible step forward for animal welfare which has been tremendously backed by the public, official parties and the media.”
