Freya, the Famous Boat-Sinking Walrus, Has Been Euthanized by Norwegian Authorities
Freya, the wild walrus that became a viral sensation for her memorable appearances along the coasts of Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and parts of the United Kingdom, has been euthanized.
Because walruses are protected under a variety of global laws (including in Norway as well as the United States) and are also listed as a vulnerable and threatened species by The International Union for Conservation of Nature, the decision came as a last resort.
Norway’s Directorate of Fisheries said that they euthanized the 1,320-pound female walrus during the early morning hours of Aug. 14 “based on an overall assessment of the continued threat to human safety,” according to a recent report obtained by The Associated Press.
According to the report, Norwegian officials had hoped Freya would leave the area on her own accord and without the need for human interjection. But weeks passed and the walrus continued to inhabit the highly-trafficked area of the Oslo Fjord inlet.
“Through on-site observations the past week, it was made clear that the public has disregarded the current recommendation to keep a clear distance to the walrus,” it said. “Therefore, the Directorate has concluded, the possibility for potential harm to people was high and animal welfare was not being maintained.”
Frank Bakke-Jensen, the head of the directorate, added that alternatives to euthanasia (like moving the animal to a safer habitat) were considered but ultimately authorities concluded the options weren't viable.
“We have sympathies for the fact that the decision can cause a reaction from the public, but I am firm that this was the right call,” Bakke-Jensen said in the report. “We have great regard for animal welfare, but human life and safety must take precedence.”
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