Isles of Scilly have built a 'safe space' for Wally The Walrus - where he can be undisturbed | SWNS

Officials on the Isles of Scilly have built a 'safe space' for Wally The Walrus - a pontoon where he can relax undisturbed and cause less trouble.

Locals are also being advised to gently push the arctic walrus away from their vessels with an oar if he approaches.

It's hoped the advice and the newly constructed pontoon will encourage him to feel safe - and decrease his 'vandalism'.

The adventurous creature has clocked up significant sea miles in recent months with visits to Ireland, Wales, France and Scilly.

But the marine mammal has proven to be a bit of a vandal - causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to boats in St Mary's harbour.

Now BDMLR and the Harbour Authority have constructed a specific customised pontoon replicating his apparent need for physical contact.

Wally has also taken a liking to the Star of Life ambulance boat - but it's been agreed he can still climb on board in between times of emergency.

A spokesperson from the BDMLR, Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust and the St Mary’s Harbour Team said: "We have collectively decided, with the support of the Harbour Office of St Mary's, that when he hauls out onto the Star of Life ambulance boat, he can be left to rest.

''If there is a callout, he has been shown to get off the vessel, so not impacting the boat's ability to serve the community’s emergency needs.

''Allowing him to remain on the Star of Life reduces potential damage to other vessels which is a key aim of our dynamic risk assessment procedures.

''BDMLR and the Harbour Authority have constructed a specific customised pontoon replicating his apparent need for physical contact.

''His scent has been used on it to encourage him to feel safe. The aim is to test to see if he will use it and to encourage him to opt for this rather than the Star of Life (or any other vessel).

''It has been moored close to the Walrus’ preferred haul out in the hope that he will choose this as a “better option”.

This video was filmed within July 2021.

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