A city deprived of New Year's fireworks for an unlikely reason: Thor, the culprit...
In Scarborough, Yorkshire, UK, residents have had their New Year's Eve fireworks canceled due to the presence of a walrus in their harbour. Arrived Friday, December 30, 2022, the animal probably came to rest before continuing its journey north. The municipality preferred to focus on his well-being.
On the night of December 31, 2022 to January 1, 2023, the inhabitants of Scarborough, in the North East of England, were deprived of fireworks. Not for reasons of sobriety or budgetary restrictions, but to respect the tranquility... of a walrus . The animal, visibly tired, had come to rest on Friday in the port of the city. For not to disturb the one who has been baptized Thor, and on the advice of the marine animal protection association British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), the city has decided to cancel its pyrotechnic show which was to light up the sky for 6 minutes.
THE RETURN OF THOR
— BDMLR (@BDMLR) January 2, 2023
At 11.30pm on 30th December 2022, Scarborough Sealife reported to BDMLR that a Walrus was hauled out at Scarborough. The initial response was Are you joking?!
Find our full report here - https://t.co/dxAKkEcnqd #scarboroough #thor #walrus #bdmlr pic.twitter.com/DKZeDXtfCm
Thor's well-being above all else
“We are really disappointed to have had to cancel the fireworks, but the welfare of the walrus must come first,” said city councilor Steve Siddons, quoted by local radio This is the Coast . “There are fears that the device could create stress in the mammal” , said a spokesperson for the municipality.
Recognition of animal rights defenders
This decision was quickly welcomed by the environmental defense association BDMLR, which insisted to the disappointed on the rarity of the presence of a walrus on a coast of Yorkshire. “Everyone did the right thing and we are extremely grateful for that” said NGO member Emily Mayman, thanking Scarborough residents, police and local animal welfare groups for their support.
