'Magnus the walrus' leaves Lossiemouth marina
He attracted many visitors after arriving yesterday!
A walrus is now back in the open sea after getting a much needed rest in Lossiemouth.
The creature, named Magnus, was spotted on a pontoon finger at the town's marina yesterday.
Large crowds have gathered around the harbour over the last two days to catch a glimpse of the creature, prompting pleas to make sure the public kept their distance.
It has been confirmed he is the same walrus which visited Orkney last week, who was called Magnus after appearing on St Magnus Day.
Luckily, Magnus was allowed to have his much needed rest in relative peace and left Moray earlier this afternoon.
Earlier this morning while the animal while still at Lossiemouth Marina, the Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit explained on Facebook why Magnus may have been visiting the jewel of Moray.
They said: "While sightings in mainland Scotland remain exceptionally rare, several factors may explain why this particular walrus—now nicknamed "Magnus" after appearing in Orkney on St Magnus Day—is currently in Lossiemouth.
"The ongoing reduction of sea ice in the Arctic forces walruses to travel much longer distances to find suitable resting platforms between feeding.
"This often leads younger, roving animals into unfamiliar waters.
"This individual appears to be a young male, roughly 2.5 meters long, who is likely fatigued from an extended journey.
"Harbours like Lossiemouth provide a stable, solid surface (for "hauling out") where they can safely rest and recuperate their energy.
"Reports from observers in both Orkney and Lossiemouth note the animal exhibits some "battle scars" or injuries, so it may have chosen this specific mooring as a quiet place to heal."
During a stay at the Moray marina while sailing with his wife, Simon Hampton-Matthews was moored in when the mammal came up beside his boat, before opting for an adjacent pontoon finger.
He said: "It certainly was a surprise, I wasn't expecting to encounter a walrus in Lossiemouth harbour!
"It was a quite pleasant surprise, but a little upsetting to see he was injured.
"But the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) team turned up later on in the day and said it was superficial and will heal."