On Sunday, authorities in Oslo Fjord, Norway stated they euthanized a walrus that has drawn crowds of spectators in the Oslo Fjord after concluding the 1,320-pound female walrus posed a threat to humans. Norway’s Directorate of Fisheries said “based on an overall assessment of the continued threat for human safety,” she was killed.
According to DWNews, the walrus dubbed Freya, had become a popular attraction, and visitors were warned not to get too close to her. Sadly, tourists and area residents and even their children wanted to get close to Freya for photo opportunities. Freya had made her own reputation climbing on small boats damaging them, chasing ducks and had even followed around a swan.
Through on-site observations the past week it was made clear that the public has disregarded the current recommendation to keep a distance from the walrus. Therefore, the Directorate has concluded, the possibility for potential harm to people was high and animal welfare was not being maintained.
Frank Bakke-Jensen
Frank Bakke Jensen said there had been conversations about moving her to another location, but concluded it would not be a viable option.
Animal rights groups contend other options could have been employed rather than punishing Freya with her life because humans refused to listen to authorities and stay away from the walrus. Why didn’t they fine tourists? The Blue Planet Society, which campaigns to protect the world’s oceans called the decision “utterly disgraceful.”
Walruses are protected, and the department had hoped she would leave on her own. Walruses do not normally attack people unless they feel threatened.
Rest in peace Freya. Humans continue to disappoint all of us. We are so sorry.
(Photo: Courtesy of Fiskeridirektoratet)
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The dirty rats! Taking bets they fed her body to their zoo animals like they did that poor giraffe Marius! They could shoot her and drag her body away but they couldn’t take her some place else to live? Norway has lots of islands. Wildlife officials are all about killing not saving!
Beyond sad😢😢😢 I am not understanding why Freya couldn’t be relocated. Seems to me that someone is not trying enough to relocate lost animals or wild animals who are out of their “normal” habitats.
Freya, I am very sorry for you to have to experience some truly savage behaviors. It’s very heartbreaking and the worst of human behavior
RIP in Heaven. I hope you can meet up with MacKitty & join his special snuggle buddies group.
ARE THEY “STUPID” OR JUST PLAIN “INSANE”?! YET ANOTHER POOR INNOCENT DEFENSELESS CREATURE KILLED BECAUSE OF THE SHEER IGNORANCE AND STUPIDITY OF BRAINLESS HEARTLESS HUMANS!