Walrus spotted on Orkney pier for the first time in almost a decade

A walrus has made a surprise appearance in Orkney for the first time in almost ten years.

According to local reports, it was seen swimming around Stronsay pier by pier master Leslie Miller at around 8am on Thursday, April 16.

The last time a walrus visited the archipelago was in 2018, according to the local wildlife charity Orkney Marine Mammal Research Initiative (OMMRI).

Eight years ago the animal stopped at North Ronaldsay before venturing southwards to Sanday, where it “caused considerable excitement among local schoolchildren and anyone else lucky enough to be in the right place”.

In a social media post the charity declared the sighting a “genuinely rare event”, but added that walrus sightings in northern Europe appear to be becoming less unusual.

However, there are concerns about a wound seen on the animal. Volunteers have contacted the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, which deals with injured animals, but said that there is often little that can be done in such situations.

“Nature generally takes its course and there are obviously difficulties in safely getting close to an animal of this size let alone treating it,” a spokesperson said.

“What this does mean is that keeping your distance and allowing the animal to rest undisturbed is even more important than usual.

“Stress will not help its recovery. The best thing anyone can do for this walrus right now is leave it in peace.”

In January, a walrus was spotted resting on the rocks off the coast of Fife.