After leaving Tenby and then heading onto Cornwall, France and Spain, Wally the walrus has now been spotted (Thursday, June 17) swimming in the Isles of Scilly.

Posting images on social media, tour guide at Island Wildlife Tours Will Wagstaff said: “It has to have been one of the most amazing weeks for wildlife on Scilly - what with the Egyptian Vulture on Monday and now we have a Walrus here in Porth Cressa only a few yards from home.

“It seems to have spent the late afternoon trying to board some of the yachts anchored in the bay. Probably looking for a nice site to haul out. An incredible sight!”

Another person who spotted the walrus was Scott Reid who along with his wife Samaya, captured some incredible photos and footage of Wally trying to climb aboard boats.

“We just kayaked out in to Porthcressa with the walrus - it came to within 10ft of us, roared, and stared us out,” he said.

“The walrus made its way around the bay trying unsuccessfully to board each of the 20 or so anchored yachts - felt slightly concerned it was going to hop on the kayak but thankfully it decided against it! Nonetheless, my heart was in my throat!

“Unreal! What an immense and intimidating creature.”

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust and British Divers Marine Life Rescue have urged people to give the walrus plenty of space, and not to not disturb him.

“We are aware that there is a Walrus that has been sighted at the islands this afternoon - the first time one of these Arctic mammals has been recorded here!” a post stated on the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust Facebook page.

“This rare visitor is the same young male that spent a number of weeks in South Wales earlier this year, before passing through Cornwall and down to the Bay of Biscay. His last known sighting was at Bilbao, Spain, two weeks ago.

“The animal's movements are being monitored by a number of conservation and welfare organisations to keep an eye on his health, although he seems to coping well out of his regular habitat and has been seen feeding often. It is hoped that he is now finally returning north and will get back to his native home in the Arctic again soon.

“In the meantime, we are asking people to give the walrus plenty of space, not to approach or follow him and to respect him while he visits the island by not disturbing him. Given that he has been travelling large distances he could already be exhausted and will need plenty of rest before he moves on again.

“A seal-watching code of conduct was released recently by the Seal Alliance and endorsed by Defra, which would be applicable to the walrus as well and members of the public, boat operators and others are all asked to please follow this and help make our special visitor have a pleasant and positive experience of Scilly,” they added, stating that if anyone is concerned for the welfare of the walrus then please ring British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765546.