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Walrus spotted in Tenby, Wales after previous sighting in Ireland

The sighting follows a number of other walrus sightings across the UK this month, and it is thought to be the same walrus

Ella Glover
Sunday 28 March 2021 14:49 BST
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The walrus was “basking in the sun” on the RNLI’s slipway
The walrus was “basking in the sun” on the RNLI’s slipway (REUTERS)

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A walrus, which is thought to be the same walrus spotted in Ireland and Wales this month, has been spotted for a third time in Tenby in Pembrokeshire.

Dr Rhian Field, who runs the Tenby Art of Science centre, was one of a few tourists who caught sight of the walrus on Saturday — the first day of lockdown restrictions easing in the country. 

She told the BBC that the walrus was “basking in the sun” where it was lay on the RNLI’s slipway. 

The sighting follows a number of other walrus sightings across the UK this month, and it is thought to be the same walrus.

The walrus was first spotted on Valentia Island, County Kerry
The walrus was first spotted on Valentia Island, County Kerry (PA)

On 19 March, the walrus was seen on rocks near Broad Haven South beach, in Pembrokeshire and was spotted off the coast of County Kerry in Ireland the week prior.

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Officials from Sea Rescue Ireland have warned anyone who spots the walrus to be respectful of the “sensitive species” by keeping their dogs on their leads and observing quietly from 300m away.

Walruses are rarely seen in the UK and Ireland, although there is estimated to be around 20,000 of them in the North Atlantic.

Sea Rescue Ireland said the marine mammal, which is assumed to be young due to its short tusks, is likely “being pushed to explore a new habitat due to a changing climate.”

They said this should serve as “great motivation for us all to take action on the climate crisis.”

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