Authorities in Norway stated Sunday they've euthanized a walrus that had drawn crowds of spectators within the Oslo Fjord after concluding that it posed a threat to people.
The 1,320-pound feminine walrus, recognized affectionately as Freya, turned a well-liked attraction in Norway in current weeks, regardless of warnings from officers that individuals ought to chorus from getting shut and posing for footage with the large marine mammal. Freya preferred to clamber on small boats, inflicting injury to them.
Walruses are protected and as not too long ago as final month officers stated they hoped Freya would depart of her personal accord and that euthanasia could be a final resort.
However Norway's Directorate of Fisheries stated Freya was put down early Sunday "based mostly on an general evaluation of the continued menace to human security."
"Via on-site observations the previous week it was made clear that the general public has disregarded the present suggestion to maintain a transparent distance to the walrus," it stated. "Subsequently, the Directorate has concluded, the chance for potential hurt to folks was excessive and animal welfare was not being maintained."
The top of the directorate, Frank Bakke-Jensen, stated different choices — together with transferring the animal elsewhere — have been thought of. However authorities concluded it wasn't a viable choice.
"Now we have sympathies for the truth that the choice could cause reactions with the general public, however I'm agency that this was the correct name," Bakke-Jensen stated. "Now we have nice regard for animal welfare, however human life and security should take priority."
Atlantic walruses usually stay within the Arctic. It's uncommon however not exceptional for them to journey into the North and Baltic Seas.