Freya the walrus, famous for attracting crowds in Norway, euthanised for ‘human safety’

A beloved walrus in Norway, known as Freya, was euthanised by wildlife authorities August 14, 2022. Several warnings to the general public to keep their distance from her were ignored, the directorate of fisheries said. An assessment found continued threat to human safety, leading to the decision to euthanise Freya, Director General Frank Bakke-Jensen said in a statement. Photo: @steinkobbe/Twitter

The 600-kilogramme marine mammal was spotted in Oslo Fjord in recent weeks dozing on boats struggling to keep up with her weight. Spectators would continue to approach Freya, often with children in tow. Walruses do not normally pose a danger to humans as long as you keep your distance, the ministry had said in an earlier advisory. Photo: @fiskeridir/Twitter

A picture of a large crowd gathered around Freya was released by the directorate of fisheries last week. The public’s negligent behaviour and failure can endanger life and health, the ministry said, noting the walrus was not getting enough rest. Photo: Directorate of Fisheries, Norway 

The potential for harm to people was high and animal welfare was not being maintained, the ministry had concluded after an assessment. The euthanisation was carried out in a humane fashion, it stated. “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. We have great regard for animal welfare, but human life and safety must take precedence,” Bakke-Jensen said. Photo: @steinkobbe/Twitter

Freya's welfare could not be ensured by any means possible, Bakke-Jensen said. The extensive complexity of moving the mammal made the process unviable, he said, adding several possible solutions were discussed before coming to the decision of euhanisation. Photo: @steinkobbe/Twitter