Wally the Arctic walrus’ trail of destruction along the South Coast may be curbed by the provision of a ‘floating couch’ for the large marine mammal, as the Irish Examiner reports.
Following his return to Irish shores earlier this month after a lengthy excursion via Wales and northern France, Wally has made his way steadily westwards from Waterford into Cork.
Boats moored at harbours and marinas along the way have become his primary resting spots, but his sheer size — estimated at some 800kg — has meant he’s sunk at least two vessels and cost thousands of euros of damage.
Now, after an appeal for donations of equipment, Seal Rescue Ireland says it has secured a pontoon that resembles a floating couch — similar to one deployed for Wally off the Isles of Scilly earlier this summer.
And it’s ready to go upon any reports of Wally messing about in boats — in the hopes he’ll choose the way of the couch potato over the juvenile delinquent.
In the meantime, curious walrus-spotters have been urged to keep their distance — at least 100m — from the animal “as this is crucial to his survival and welfare”, the animal rescue charity says.
The Irish Examiner has more on the story HERE.
