Nicknamed the Norse goddess of beauty and love, the 600kg icon has become known for her antics which include climbing into small boats and sinking them with her large frame. However, the Norwegian Fisheries Ministry warned that the public is getting too close to the animal, putting its safety and Freya’s well-being at risk. The department warned that “further measures” such as euthanasia were being considered. Senior communications adviser at the Directorate of Fisheries, Nadia Jdaini, said: “Our biggest fear is that people could be injured. “The assessment of the Directorate of Fisheries is that the negligent behavior of the public and failure to follow the recommendations of the authorities can endanger life and health.” The ministry added that there are indications that some people threw objects at Freya, bathed next to her and took pictures near the water’s edge where she is bathing. The ministry is in contact with police and vets to discuss further measures as patrol boats monitor the situation. Image: Photo: Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries Pictures released by the ministry show adults and children in Kadettamgen getting “up close and personal” with the walrus, despite warnings. While she has caused some local boat owners a headache, Freya has become quite the attraction with almost daily updates from local media about her sightings, with her signature pink spot on her nose. He has been spotted spending time this summer in the Oslofjord, an inlet in southeastern Norway. Concerns about Freya’s condition Walruses usually live in herds in the Arctic, further north than where they have been spotted. But with the attention that comes with Freya’s reputation, the ministry has raised concerns about her condition and is in constant contact with a vet. Ms Jdaini said the walrus was not getting enough rest and professionals speaking to the ministry believed she was stressed. Director of Fisheries Frank Bakke-Jensen said moving Freya would be difficult and if she was euthanized it would be for safety reasons. Mr Bakke-Jensen said: “It is a wild animal that is far from its natural environment. Then it is unpredictable how it will act. Above all, we ask people to listen to what we say, take the recommendations seriously and to maintain a good distance condition”. He added that at worst, they would have to kill Freya.
