Arctic walrus spotted in sea off Cornwall coast

Wildlife photographer Nathaniel Barry was on board the Padstow Sealife Safari yesterday afternoon with passengers and crew when they were astounded to spot at first what they thought was a large seal in the water.

He told the Packet: "The skipper pointed out an object that looked like a big male seal coming into one of the known resting points for our seals. So we decided to wait around and hope for an encounter so I could share more information about the seal with the customers.

The walrus was captured on camera by Nathaniel Barry/Nathaniel's Wildlife Photography

"The Walrus popped up and I just shouted 'That's no grey seal, it's a walrus' and everyone quickly looked. I had to triple-check my camera lens to make sure what I was seeing was walrus. Seeing it was incredibly emotional. It's something I'd have never thought I'd see in person in my life, let alone in Cornwall.

"I'm still processing it all now, replaying the moment it popped up and wanting to go back to see it, but I hope it is making its way up north back to the Arctic. Being the first to both see and photograph a Walrus in Cornwall is a privilege."

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But he said but he felt it was best for the Walrus to be respected and for the general public to keep well back and make sure they always put the animal above a photo opportunity. He said he got extremely lucky both with timing and being a guide with Padstow Sealife Safaris.

The walrus was captured on camera by Nathaniel Barry/Nathaniel's Wildlife Photography

It’s thought to be the first recorded visit to the region by the mammal in history. Walruses are native to Arctic waters so this individual is very far from home. Wally has previously been spotted in Ireland and, more recently, has spent a few weeks in Wales.

Padstow Sealife Safaris said it had been hoped that as the water temperatures increase, the walrus would make its way back up north to cold water and closer to home, but he seems to be doing the opposite.

The walrus was captured on camera by Nathaniel Barry/Nathaniel's Wildlife Photography

"He seemed to be on the move so is unlikely to hang around in the area but if spotted again, it is important to give the walrus plenty of space and respect. We hope Wally can find his way home soon as he must be quite lonely so far from others of his kind," they said in a Facebook post.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust also warned: "As with lots of our marine mammals, disturbance can cause huge amounts of distress and affect behaviours including resting and feeding. Do let us know if you see Wally but please be respectful and keep your distance,"