Norway’s beloved celebrity walrus, nicknamed Freya, was euthanized by the government on Sunday. And despite backlash from the public, the agency is defending its decision to end Freya’s life.
The Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries seemed to blame the public for its decision to euthanize the 1,300-pound walrus, citing concerns for Freya’s welfare and the risk that she could harm a human who was too close.
“Through on-site observations the past week it was made clear that the public has disregarded the current recommendation to keep a clear distance to the walrus,” the agency said. “Therefore, the Directorate has concluded, the possibility for potential harm to people was high and animal welfare was not being maintained.”
The Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries claimed that it looked extensively at moving Freya, but such an option was impossible.
“Moving the animal was deliberated thoroughly with the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research,” a press release said.
“The extensive complexity of such an operation made us conclude that this was not a viable option,” agency director general Frank Bakke-Jensen said in a statement. “There were several animal welfare concerns associated with a possible relocation.”
Freya was known for sunbathing on small boats, and sometimes sinking them with her massive body. The walrus’ endearing nature made her a celebrity over the summer, drawing large crowds of adoring Norwegians.
Big story in Norway this summer is a walrus we've named Freya has made it to our shores and is touring the country, laying around and sinking boats pic.twitter.com/rQolsxd88b
— Wild Geerters (@steinkobbe) July 19, 2022
According to the government, it was those large crowds of adoring fans that did her in.
“The operation was conducted in a humane fashion by personnel from The Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries,” the agency said.
“Highly skilled and trained personnel executed the order in conduct with current routines and regulations for euthanasia for marine mammals,” Bakke-Jensen added.
Some are not at all happy with the decision to kill the beloved walrus.
One Norwegian headline in the aftermath read, “Rage after Freya’s death,” and a TV broadcaster said the walrus was “killed by her audience,” NBC News noted.
“She was a nice young lady — good health … everything was fine with Freya,” reacted Rune Aae, a biologist who was tracking the walrus. “So, I’m really sad on her behalf — what we did to her, that was really not nice.”
Bakke-Jensen acknowledged the backlash, but stood by the decision.
“We have sympathies for the fact that the decision can cause reactions with the public, but I am firm that this was the right call,” the director general said. “We have great regard for animal welfare, but human life and safety must take precedence.”