Fireworks display cancelled after surprise arrival of a Walrus in Scarborough
The council don't want to cause distress to the mammal
Last updated 31st Dec 2022
A wandering walrus may have delighted locals and tourists after appearing in a Yorkshire seaside town, however the arrival of the marine mammal in Scarborough harbour has caused the council to cancel the New Year firework celebrations.
In a statement Scarborough Borough Council say;
“We have taken the decision to cancel tonight’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display on the advice of British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), because of the arrival of the walrus ‘Thor’ in the harbour.
“There are concerns that the display could cause distress to the mammal.”
Councillor Steve Siddons, leader of the council, said:
“We are really disappointed that we’ve had to cancel the fireworks but the welfare of the walrus has to take precedence.
“Our decision is based on expert advice from the BDMLR charity.”
Chris Cook, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire area coordinator for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said:
“We welcome the decision to call off the fireworks but understand that some people will be disappointed 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.
“While there is understandable interest in the creature, we ask that it is left alone and not disturbed.”
Since the arrival of 'Thor' as he has become known, late on Friday night, huge crowds have gathered to see him.
Earlier in the month he was also spotted on the Hampshire coastline.
Local wildlife experts tell us he will move on in a few days once he is rested enough to continue his journey north.
It is believed to be the first time a walrus has been spotted in Yorkshire, and a cordon has been put around him to keep excited crowds from getting too close.
Resident Richard Coulson, 51, said:
"I live just round the corner from where it actually is and the traffic up and down our road - it's just like a summer's day, it really is absolutely teeming with cars and people. It's amazing how much attention it's brought.
"It's been well protected - it's been cordoned off so you can't get within 20 feet of it.
"It's the first time I've ever seen one. It's huge. We see seals quite regularly round Scarborough coastline but something of that size, it's enormous.
"You respect nature when you see something of that size. Its tusks are bigger than my arms."
Stuart Ford, runs the Sealife Safari boat tour agency;
"I was going down to my boat and there it was on the slipway - magnificent. It's got to be half a ton.
"I think it's a once-in-a-lifetime, first-time-ever thing in Scarborough to see."
The Sea Life Scarborough aquarium said its animal care team is monitoring the walrus's situation, along with the RSPCA and British Divers Marine Life Rescue.
They wrote on social media: "Please do not worry - he appears well and is just taking a well deserved rest after his long adventure!
"Please be respectful of his rest and try not to disturb him. While it is a very exciting opportunity for us, naturally they do not like lots of noise and are not familiar with domestic animals so please keep pets on leads and remain a safe distance for your own welfare and his.
"Hopefully within a few days he will have got enough rest to move on and continue his adventures North!"