01 January 2023 , 12:44
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An Arctic walrus named 'Thor' was heading back to the Arctic Circle today - after a weekend break in Scarborough.
New Year's Eve fireworks in the seaside town were cancelled so that they did not disturb the unexpected visitor who attracted huge crowds to the harbour.
It was the first time in living memory the species had visited Yorkshire, and the giant marine mammal was kept safe by animal welfare charities.
The RSPCA's national wildlife co-ordinator Geoff Edmond, who lives in Scarborough, told how Thor had made his way from Southampton after being spotted there on December 11.
He said: "We are not sure where he has been in between - who knows? But he decided to come to Scarborough for the weekend.
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Thor snoozing in Scarborough Harbour (Jenna Jackson / SWNS)"Now he is swimming back in the right direction and heading to the Arctic Circle."
Scarborough Sealife Centre marine expert Todd German said there had only been around 40 sightings of the species in the UK in the past 140 years.
"It was special to see one here," he added. "We will probably never see one in Scarborough again. People were so respectful, the general public were really caring, demonstrating our love of animals as a nation."
The giant marine mammal was kept safe by animal welfare charities (Jenna Jackson / SWNS)It is believed that the young walrus could have come from as far as Canada. Walruses are extremely rare in the UK, though two others - Wally and Freya - have been recorded off British shores in the last two years.
It is feared that the bizarre appearances off our shores may have resulted from climate change.
The New Year's Eve fireworks in Scarborough were cancelled over fears they "could cause distress" after Thor was spotted late on Friday night. He left on Sunday afternoon.
The New Year's Eve fireworks were cancelled over fears they 'could cause distress' after Thor (Jenna Jackson / SWNS)Council leader Steve Siddons was disappointed but said "the welfare of the walrus has to take precedence". The decision was taken after advice from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).
A cordon was put in place after huge crowds of sightseers turned up. A BDMLR spokesman said: "We welcome the decision to call off the fireworks but understand that some people will be disappointed that the display isn't going ahead.
"It is extremely rare that an Arctic walrus should come ashore on the Yorkshire coast. The creature needs time to rest and recuperate before it continues its journey."