Experts warn ‘Wally the Walrus’ being put at risk from boats after reaching Scilly Isles on epic journey

Marine managers have warned that Wally the Walrus is being put at risk by boats and members of the public.

The walrus has been travelling across the world since March, stopping in countries like Ireland, Wales, France and Spain.

The walrus has now been seen on boats and rocks on the Isles of Scilly.

But some people have been getting up too close to the animal.

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The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) reminded people all walruses were protected by law.

The MMO said: "We have received messages that the walrus currently on the Isles of Scilly is regularly being disturbed by vessels and the public.

"Walruses are protected from disturbance under section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. So please keep your distance and do not approach."

On Wednesday, St Mary's harbour towed an RIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat) that Wally had climbed aboard to a safer position.

They asked people to "give this vessel a wide berth".

Watch: Wally the walrus rests after swimming to multiple countries

The Isles of Scilly Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority said on Twitter: "please use common sense, binoculars and zoom lenses and give the walrus plenty of space."

Lucy Babey, head of science and conservation at the Orca charity, which protects marine wildlife, explained why the walrus is behaving the way he is.

She told the BBC: "Walruses spend 25% of the time resting so Wally is going around trying to find resting places.

"He is building up his energy reserves as he has done a lot of swimming to get here from Spain, and has a lot more swimming to do to get home."

She said it was hoped he would continue to make his way to the Arctic, but "judging by what has happened over the last few months he might take a leisurely swim back north and so we might see him around the UK for a little while yet."

She added that he was being monitored and appeared to be healthy but "he probably hasn't come into contact with humans before so is curious – another reason to keep a distance is for our safety, as well as his."

A petition has also been set up entitled "Get Wally the walrus home."

It suggests "perhaps a large boat with a flat and large enough rear access deck for Wally to come and go as he wished with zero human contact could work?"

Animal welfare groups said Wally initially travelled across the north Atlantic ocean from Greenland on an ice floe.

He was first seen in Ireland, before taking up residence in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, in March.

Watch: Wally the walrus tries to board tourist boat near Isles of Scilly