Because a walrus had chosen the harbor of the English coastal town of Scarborough as a resting place, the New Year’s Eve fireworks in the city failed. As the British news channel Sky News reported on its website, the municipal administration followed the advice of experts who were concerned about the welfare of the animal. They feared that loud popping noises and flashes of light could have caused stress for the walrus, which was christened Thor.
Thor had been dozing on the port of the north-east English city since Friday night, attracting crowds of onlookers. According to a report by the “Yorkshire Post”, the animal withdrew into the water before midnight on Saturday. Nevertheless, people had to do without the planned fireworks.
Britain’s PA news agency quoted animal rights activists as saying the walrus is believed to be in transit north, stopping off on the English coast. It was sighted off the south coast of England back in early December.
