Freya, the famous Oslo walrus, known for sunbathing in the fjord of the Norwegian capital since mid-July, was shot down by the authorities of this country. At the base of the decision was the concern that the animal represented a “continuous threat to human safety”, explained this Sunday, August 14, the director general of Norwegian Fisheries.
The animal began to become a public safety issue after people successively ignored safety rules, particularly distancing orders. “Through on-site observations last week, it became clear that the public had ignored the current recommendation to keep a clear distance from the walrus. Therefore, the Directorate concluded, the possibility of potential harm to people was high and animal welfare was not being maintained.” “We have carefully analyzed all possible solutions. We concluded that we could not ensure the animal’s welfare by any means available.”
Images shared last week by the Ministry of Fisheries show a large group of people, including children, very close to the animal. Due to repeated appeals and successive rule violations, Norwegian authorities had already considered putting the animal down. Freya washed up on the shores of Oslo on July 17 and was known to raid ships (some of which sank) to take long naps and sunbathe.
The animal, named after the Norse goddess of beauty and love, had previously been seen chasing a duck and attacking a swan. According to local media, the Norwegian authorities had already isolated Freya in a bathing area, after having also chased a woman into the water.
In November 2021, Freya was seen napping on top of a submarine in the north of the Netherlands. Before arriving in Norway, experts estimate that she swam along the German and Danish coasts, with stops to rest similar to the one she decided to make on top of the Dutch submarine.
The animal was sacrificed this Sunday, August 14. His body will be investigated by veterinarians. Walruses are protected species that typically live further north in the Arctic.
Source: Observadora
