He has become a real star in the Oslo Fjord. Norwegian authorities announced on Thursday that they are considering euthanizing the walrus Freya. This young female of some 600 kg continues to attract a lot of attention despite the incessant pleas to stay away and not disturb her.
“Reckless behavior by the public and failure to comply with the recommendations of the authorities can put lives at risk,” said a spokeswoman for the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries, Nadia Jdaini. “We are now exploring additional measures among which euthanasia can be a real alternative,” she added.
On site since mid-July
Walruses typically live in even more northern Arctic latitudes, but Freya, named after a goddess associated with love and beauty in Norse mythology, has been bathing in the capital’s waters since July 17 last. Having become a star in the summer torpor, the animal was filmed chasing birds or climbing on boats swaying under its weight to doze there, doing significant damage in the process.
But, despite the instructions, the animal continues to be bothered by curious people who bathe nearby or approach it excessively, sometimes with children, to photograph it, said the Fisheries Department. “His well-being is clearly diminished. The walrus does not have enough rest and the experts with whom we are discussing now believe that it is stressed, “said Nadia Jdaini.
A protected species, the walrus feeds mainly on invertebrates such as molluscs, shrimps, crabs and small fish. While he does not normally attack human beings, he may, according to the authorities, feel threatened by unwelcome people and attack them.