A ‘do not disturb’ plea for Tenby’s visiting walrus has been issued by authorities including the RSPCA?and Welsh Marine Life Rescue.

It’s a week since lockdown travel restrictions within Wales were lifted - and Pembrokeshire’s unexpected visitor popped up once again on the coastline, this time on the RNLI?lifeboat station slipway, where the Arctic walrus has remained.

Despite the fact that the walrus spends most of it’s time at the end of the slip, which can’t be accessed by members of the public, there have been reports of people standing on the shoreline and edging too close to the walrus to get a closer look.

Also, on Good Friday morning, concerns were raised on social media that people on jet skis were circling nearby the waters on the North Beach nearby to where the walrus has been feeding.

A statement from RSPCA; Tenby Harbour Master Chris Salisbury; Welsh Marine Life Rescue; Tenby Lifeboat Coxswain Phil John; British Divers Marine Life Rescue; Natural Resources Wales; and CSIP Marine Environmental Monitoring released today (Saturday, April 3) has asked people to avoid the temptation to get near the wild animal and disturb him.

“We understand it’s exciting and unusual to have the walrus take up a temporary residence in Tenby, and that over the Bank Holiday weekend many people may wish to visit the area in the hope of catching a glimpse of him,” reads the statement.

“However, it’s in his best interests to be left alone as much as possible, so we’re asking people to remember he is a wild animal and avoid the temptation to get near to him and disturb him.

“We’re really concerned to hear reports that some people have tried to get close to him by using jet skis or paddle and surf boards - this really isn’t in his best interest and we urge people to act responsibly this weekend and if they find themselves in the area, to enjoy him from a distance.”

The walrus is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, and so disturbing the animal may constitute an offence.