A walrus nicknamed Freya, who had become a popular attraction in the Oslofjord, was put down last week to prioritize the safety of people. The decision to euthanize Freya brought swift public outrage, criticism from wildlife experts, and global concern for how Norway treats wildlife.<\/p>\n
Freya, named after the Norse goddess of beauty and love, was a young female walrus who was seen in coastal towns across the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway since October 2021. She rose to fame after sunbathing on piers and napping on boats—sometimes sinking them under her weight. Authorities also reported that locals had been seen swimming with Freya, throwing objects at her, and even invading her personal space for photos. <\/p>\n
\nIn memory of #Freya<\/a> – the wandering Walrus that graced us here Shetland last winter.<\/p>\n
MURDERED today by the Directorate of Fisheries in #Norway<\/a> because she was perceived as a “continued threat to human safety”. <\/p>\n
Abhorrent and unforgivable on every level. pic.twitter.com\/Nu6z1qnIpl<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Hugh Harrop Wildlife (@HughHarrop) August 14, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n