Thor the Walrus takes a nap on Hampshire beach - and public urged not to approach

12 December 2022, 09:40 | Updated: 12 December 2022, 14:16

'Thor' the walrus chills out in Hampshire

Members of the public have been urged to keep their distance after a walrus swam up to a Hampshire beach for a nap.

The animal, Thor, was spotted resting at Calshot in the early hours of Saturday, more than 2.000 miles from home.

The walrus has already attracted crowds of onlookers. However British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) is advising people to leave him well alone and allow him to conserve energy.

The animals can weigh around 1,000kg, live up to 40 years, and face increased threats from climate change.

A cordon has been set up and visitors are being kept a long distance away.

n a Facebook post, the BDMLR said: “Key advice is being issued to everyone to give the walrus a very wide berth to avoid disturbing it. They travel long distances and have rest stops to recover and regain energy before moving on again.”

Thor is known to have visited the Netherlands and France in recent weeks. Thor is understood to have since moved on from his resting spot at the beach.