A WALRUS has been spotted far from home, taking a rest on the Welsh coast.

The RSPCA were called to check on the welfare of the mammal on Saturday, whose natural home is in the Arctic, as it rested on rocks in Broad Haven in Pembrokeshire.

It is very rare to find a walrus this far south in the relatively warmer waters around the British Isles.

Cleopatra Browne of Welsh Marine Life Rescue, who first spotted the walrus, told the BBC: "It was about the size of a cow.

"It was a whopper. I’ve seen them on telly and the news but it was huge."

RSPCA animal rescue officer Ellie West was called out on Saturday morning (20 March) to check its welfare.

The walrus was first spotted a week earlier on rocks in County Kerry, Ireland, before seemingly making its way over to South Wales.

Ellie said: “It seems this Arctic walrus has swum over to Wales and was resting on rocks when I went to check on him. He was resting and, although appearing slightly underweight, thankfully he wasn’t displaying any signs of sickness or injury.

“This is an incredibly rare sighting and these big, beautiful animals never usually venture so far south.

"The juvenile walrus has likely travelled down this way in search of food.”

The walrus appears to be a little underweight and had a few scrapes but seemed in generally good condition and was seen to be swimming well.

Geoff Edmond, RSPCA national wildlife coordinator, said: “This was a landmark day for the RSPCA’s wildlife team.

“While we’ve been rescuing animals and responding to welfare calls for almost 200 years, I believe this is our first ever walrus call!”

Ellie added: “We’re pleased he seems well but, if anyone spots him in this area or elsewhere and has concerns about his welfare, we’d ask them to call our emergency hotline on 0300 1234 999.

“We’d also ask members of the public who may spot him on the rocks to keep their distance and not to approach him or spook him as he needs to rest and conserve his energy.

“I will certainly never forget this day, in fact it’s still sinking in that I’ve been monitoring a walrus on the Pembrokeshire coast today; it’s been absolutely amazing!”