BERLIN — Authorities in Norway have euthanized a walrus that had drawn crowds of spectators to the Oslo fjord after concluding it posed a risk to humans.
The 600-kilogram (1,320-pound) female, affectionately known as Freya, has become a popular attraction in Norway in recent weeks, despite warnings from officials that people should refrain from approaching and pose for photos with the huge marine mammal. Freya liked to climb into small boats, wreaking havoc on them.
The walruses are protected, and as recently as last month, officials said they expected Freya to leave on her own and that euthanasia would be a last resort.
Norway’s Fisheries Directorate said Freya was shot down early Sunday “in accordance with a global assessment of the continuing threat to human security”.
“Through on-site observations last week, it became clear that the public has ignored the current advice to keep a clear distance from the walrus,” he said. “Therefore, the Directorate concluded, the possibility of potential harm to people was high and animal welfare was not maintained.”
The directorate’s chief, Frank Bakke-Jensen, said other options were considered, including relocating the animal. But the authorities concluded that it was not a viable option.
“We are sympathetic to the fact that the decision may cause a backlash from the public, but I am adamant that this was the right call,” Bakke-Jensen said. “We have a high regard for animal welfare, but human life and safety must come first.”
Atlantic walruses normally live in the Arctic. It is unusual, but not uncommon, that they travel to the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Another walrus, nicknamed Wally, was spotted last year on beaches and even on a lifeboat pier in Wales and elsewhere.