Where's Wally? Wandering celebrity walrus spotted in Iceland

Wally, the walrus who has found fame during his travels round Europe, has been spotted in Iceland more than 900 km from his last known location, Seal Rescue Ireland said on Tuesday (September 21).

He was previously seen 22 days ago in West Cork, Ireland, sparking concerns for his safety, but the Irish rescue charity said new pictures of a similar-looking walrus taken in Iceland were indeed Wally.

“Arctic species such as walruses, polar bears and many species of seals rely on sea ice as their habitat. So as sea ice is disappearing due to climate change, they’re losing habitat,” Executive Director at Seal Rescue Ireland, Melanie Croce told Reuters.

“So, we can expect to see more and more of these Arctic species becoming vagrants and becoming displaced from their natural habitats, and having to explore a new range.”

It had identified Wally after comparing pictures with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue organisation and other seal rescue centres in Britain and Europe, where Wally has previously been spotted.