The world’s most famous walrus has been enjoying the last of the summer sunshine amid hopes that he may soon return north to his Arctic homeland.

Wally was spotted soaking up the rays on floating pontoon at his current home in the south west corner of Ireland as temperatures reached a balmly 25c at the weekend.

However as autumn approaches marine experts are hoping the 800kg juvenile male will return to the chillier waters of the Arctic to join his Walrus pals.

Wally has captured the imagination of wildlife lovers around the world with his mammoth travels which have included visits to France, Spain and the Isles of Scilly.

He first arrived in Tenby in March, when he was spotted relaxing on the RNLI lifeboat station slipway, and also seen splashing around in the sea around Castle Hill.

Melanie Croce, executive director of Seal Rescue Ireland who are monitoring his movements, said: "Wally is a little unpredictable but we are hoping that he will head north for winter.

"This is the season that the ice packs grow and extends further south and when walruses gather in the Arctic.

"Walruses are social creatures and Wally is no exception so we are hoping he may finally decide it is time to go home."

In the last couple of weeks Wally has been a frequent sight among the pontoons and boats in harbours and bays along the south west coast of Cork.

He has been feeding of mussels and clams on the seabed and according to Melanie is in good physical condition.

However hordes of sight-seers flocking to the area are causing problems for Wally whose natural home is likely to be Greenland.

Melanie said: "He’s been disturbed by people in boats and kayaks coming up close to him, and while he is quite social, he could pose a serious risk to them if startled.

"He is a massive animal and all he would have to do is roll over on someone and the consequences would be quite serious.

"Walruses have to fight polar bears in the wild so they are not to be messed with."

Seal Rescue Ireland has installed two floating pontoons and a inflatable boat for Wally to haul himself out on but he has not been seen since the weekend when the heatwave ended.

Melanie added: "When the weather gets worse he tends to go out to sea for a few days where he will feed and he will return when it gets better.

"We really do hope he decides to go home, although of course he will not be aware of climate change and what awaits him.