Magnus the walrus is having quite the European holiday. Next stop: Norway

Magnus the walrus spent most of April dazzling locals as he explored the Scottish coastline. But, ever the explorer, Magnus has made the long journey across the North Sea, swapping Scotland for Norway.

The arctic mammal was first spotted on the Stornsay Pier in Scotland on April 16. From there, he was seen up and down Scotland’s coast, from the Isle of Stronsay to Findochty. It wasn’t too long after his arrival that locals christened him “Magnus”, a name fitting his 8ft frame.

Crowds gathered to watch Magnus along Scotland’s coast

Magnus quickly attracted a crowd of adoring fans and kept them entertained with his funny antics, like falling asleep too close to the edge of a pontoon and falling into the water still sleeping. In some instance, a visit to see Magnus was turned into a family day out, with parents traveling with their children to keep them entertained through the weekend.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue monitored many of his stop-offs and said the young walrus appeared healthy despite his long journey. Experts believe Magnus is likely a young male exploring beyond his normal range, something walruses occasionally do as they mature.

Magnus swaps Scotland for Norway

The beloved walrus has now taken his tour international. Birdwatchers in Buerholmen, Norway were among the first to spot him relaxing on a floating dock. They report him looking tired, no doubt due to the 400-mile swim across the North Sea from Scotland to Norway.

Photos shared online showed Magnus appearing calm and settled as he recovered from the exhausting journey. His arrival in Norway has sparked just as much excitement there as it did in Scotland, with many people continuing to follow his travels online.

Climate change could bring more walruses to EU shores

It’s rare for Walruses to travel so far south. However, the climate crisis is changing hat. Experts suggest more and more walruses are expected to visit UK shores in the coming years as their Arctic ice habitats shrink.

For now, Magnus continues to follow the tides in search of colder waters, entertaining locals everywhere he goes. Whether he remains in Norway or continues his European adventure, the wandering walrus has already become one of the year’s most unlikely wildlife celebrities.