RIP

Freya the walrus euthanised in Oslo due to fears for human safety PROPERTY

SUN, 14 AUG, 2022 -

ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTER

A walrus that has attracted crowds of people in Oslo has been put down by Norwegian authorities due to fears it posed a risk to humans.

The 600kg female, known affectionately as Freya, became a popular attraction in Norway in recent weeks despite warnings from officials that people should refrain from getting close and posing for pictures with the massive marine mammal.

Freya liked to clamber on small boats, causing damage to them.

Walruses are protected and as recently as last month officials said they hoped Freya would leave of her own accord and that euthanasia would be a last resort.

The walrus named Freya has been euthanised (Tor Erik Schroder/NTB Scanpix via AP)

Norway’s Directorate of Fisheries said Freya was put down early on Sunday “based on an overall assessment of the continued threat to human safety”.

“Through on-site observations the past week it was made clear that the public has disregarded the current recommendation to keep a clear distance to the walrus,” a spokesperson said.

“Therefore, the directorate has concluded, the possibility for potential harm to people was high and animal welfare was not being maintained.”

The head of the directorate, Frank Bakke-Jensen, said other options — including moving the animal elsewhere — were considered but authorities concluded it was not a viable option.

“We have sympathies for the fact that the decision can cause reactions with the public, but I am firm that this was the right call,” Mr Bakke-Jensen said. “We have great regard for animal welfare but human life and safety must take precedence.”

Atlantic walruses normally live in the Arctic. It is unusual but not unheard of for them to travel into the North Sea and Baltic Sea.

Norway walrus 'Freya' could be euthanized if humans don't stay away

Freya the walrus is seen in Frognerkilen Bay in Norway on July 20. Officials say that humans are getting too close to the animal, creating a potential danger that may ultimately require that she be euthanized. Photo by Trond Reidar Teigen/EPA-EFE


Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Norwegian officials warned Friday they may have to euthanize a 1,500-pound beloved walrus if humans don't stay away from her in Oslo Harbor.

Freya the walrus can often be seen sunbathing in the harbor and has won legions of fans who want to catch a glimpse. But the animal's sheer size makes her a danger for sightseers if they get too close.

The walrus has already been blamed for sinking several unwitting boats that that ventured too close.

Norwegian government spokesperson Nadia Jdaini said there are also serious concerns from experts about Freya's health, which has deteriorated recently.

Jdaini said that people have recently been seen swimming with the walrus and approaching it with children to take photographs.

"The fact that the walrus has become an attraction escalates the need for further measures," Jdaini said according to BBC News. "Our biggest fear is that people could get hurt."

"In the meantime, the distance recommendations and clarifications about not swimming with the walrus are repeated: We would again -- strongly -- recommend that the public keep their distance where the walrus has been observed and not bathe with it."

Observers first noticed Freya hanging around Oslo last month and named her after the Norse goddess of beauty and love. Walruses are protected species and usually live closer to the Arctic.