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Orkney Celebrity Walrus Reaches Norway
14 May
Summary
- A walrus named Magnus became a celebrity on Scotland's coast.
- Magnus traveled 400 miles across the North Sea to Norway.
- Climate change is a suspected cause for walruses visiting Scotland.
A young male walrus, affectionately christened Magnus, became a beloved figure along Scotland's north-east coast after first appearing in Orkney on April 16. Initially sighted on Stronsay, the walrus soon made his way south, covering approximately 200 miles to the Scottish mainland.
Magnus was observed resting on piers and pontoons, his appearances drawing significant public attention and hundreds of spectators. His journey included swims between various coastal locations, where he entertained onlookers with his behavior, even accidentally rolling off a harbour wall.
Walruses are infrequent visitors to Scotland, with sightings increasing in recent years. Experts suggest that climate change, impacting their Arctic ice habitats, may be a contributing factor to these southbound excursions by young, adolescent animals exploring beyond their usual ranges.
In a remarkable display of endurance, Magnus subsequently swam an estimated 400 miles across the North Sea. He was recently sighted and photographed near Stavanger, Norway, marking the end of his extensive tour of the Scottish coastline and his subsequent journey to new waters.
