Authorities in Norway announced Sunday that they had euthanized a walrus that had drawn crowds of onlookers in an Oslo fjord after concluding it posed a danger to humans. The 600kg female walrus, affectionately known as Freya, has become a popular sight in Norway in recent weeks, despite warnings from officials that people should not approach and take photos with the huge marine mammal. Freya liked to climb small boats, causing damage to them. The walruses are protected and just last month officials said they hoped Freya would leave on her own and that euthanasia would be a last resort. Norway’s Fisheries Directorate said Fraja was fired early Sunday “based on an overall assessment of the ongoing threat to human safety.” “Through field observations last week it became clear that the public ignored the current recommendation to keep a clear distance from the walrus,” it said. Therefore, the Directorate concluded, the potential for potential harm to humans was high and animal welfare was not maintained.” The directorate’s chief, Frank Bakke-Jensen, said other options – including taking the animal elsewhere – were being considered. But the authorities concluded that it was not a viable option. “We have sympathy for the fact that the decision may cause public backlash, but I’m sure this was the right call,” Bakke-Jensen said. “We have great respect for animal welfare, but human life and safety must come first.” Atlantic walruses usually live in the Arctic. It is unusual but not unheard of for them to travel to the North and Baltic Seas.
