Authorities in Norway said on Sunday that they had exterminated a walrus that had attracted large crowds in the Oslo Fjord after finding that it presented a danger to people.
The 1,320-pound female walrus, fondly known as Freya, has been a popular attraction in Norway in recent weeks, despite warnings from authorities that visitors should avoid approaching and photographing the big marine creature. Freya like clambering on tiny boats and inflicting damage to them.
Walruses are protected, and authorities indicated only last month that they thought Freya would go on her own and that euthanasia would be a last choice.
However, the Directorate of Fisheries in Norway said that Freya was killed early Sunday “based on an overall evaluation of the persistent danger to human safety.”
“Through on-site observations over the last week, it was evident that the public has rejected the present suggestion to maintain a safe distance from the walrus,” it stated. “As a result, the Directorate decided that the risk of possible injury to humans was considerable, and animal welfare was not being maintained.”
Other possibilities, including transferring the animal elsewhere, were examined by the directorate’s leader, Frank Bakke-Jensen. However, officials determined that it was not a realistic choice.
“We sympathize with the fact that the decision may elicit public emotions, but I am certain that this was the correct option,” Bakke-Jensen added. “We care deeply about animal welfare, but human life and safety must come first.”
Normally, Atlantic walruses reside in the Arctic. It is uncommon for them to cross into the North and Baltic Seas, although it is not unheard of.