Freya, a 600kg animal named after the Norse goddess of beauty and love, has gained notoriety in recent weeks for antics such as climbing into small boats and sinking them. Image: Photo: Trond Reidar Teigen/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Fans had been warned not to get too close to her and it was hoped she would eventually go away on her own. However, Norway’s Fisheries Directorate said it was fired early on Sunday “based on an overall assessment of the ongoing threat to human safety”. “Through field observations last week, it became clear that the public was ignoring the current recommendation to keep a clear distance from the walrus,” a spokesman said. “Therefore, the directorate concluded, the potential for potential harm to humans was high and animal welfare was not maintained.” The directorate said Friday that there were indications that people threw things at the walrus, bathed next to it and took pictures near the water’s edge near it. Director Frank Bakke-Jensen said other options were being considered for Freya, including moving her elsewhere. But it was decided that this was not a viable option. Image: Photo: Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries “I’m sure that was the right call” Mr Bakke-Jensen said: “We are sympathetic that the decision may cause a backlash in the public, but I am confident that this was the right call. “We have a high regard for animal welfare, but human life and safety must come first.” Walruses are a protected species and usually live in herds in the Arctic, further north. It was thought that, in addition to being away from her usual surroundings, Freya was also stressed from not getting enough rest.
