The walrus, known as Freya, was euthanized—a process that involved shooting—by Norwegian authorities due to an ongoing assessment of the continued threat she posed to human safety.
The Decision to Euthanize Freya
Authorities made the difficult decision to end Freya's life after careful consideration of her interactions with humans and property. The primary factor leading to this outcome was the persistent danger she presented to the public.
Escalating Safety Concerns
Freya, a well-known and often photographed walrus, had gained significant public attention for her presence in populated areas, particularly in the Oslo Fjord. Her behavior, which included climbing onto and sinking various boats, became a significant concern. Despite repeated appeals from authorities for the public to keep a safe distance, people continued to approach her, sometimes even swimming with her. This close proximity heightened the risk of injury to individuals and created potentially dangerous situations for both the walrus and humans.
Assessment of Risk and Euthanasia
The decision was not taken lightly but was the result of an "overall assessment" by the Norwegian Fisheries Directorate. They determined that the ongoing presence of Freya in urban areas, coupled with the public's failure to maintain a safe distance, created an unacceptable level of risk. Relocation was considered but deemed not a viable option due to the animal's stress and the high likelihood of her returning or posing a similar risk elsewhere. Consequently, euthanasia was concluded as the only remaining course of action to ensure public safety and mitigate the risks associated with her presence.
