Killing celebrity walrus Freya was 'right decision', says Norway PM

The killing of a 600-kg young female walrus by authorities in Norway has sparked outrage online, with conservationists condemning the action. Now, Norway Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has affirmed his support for the decision to kill the animal known as Freya which enthralled crowds in Oslo and became an online celebrity.

PM Gahr Støre said he supported the actions of local authorities. He commented that since Norway is a maritime nation, they sometimes have to take unpopular decisions. He continued by participating in many discussions involving seals and minke whales. The reactions are not surprising.

Freya's occurrence in the Oslo fjord drew crowds eager to see her basking in the sun, swimming, and attempting to ascend aboard boats.




However, there have been accounts of individuals getting excessively close to Freya, swimming with her, and throwing objects at her. Norway's Directorate of Fisheries has reported that this decision was taken based on a comprehensive evaluation of the ongoing threat to human safety.

The crowds had not considered the recommendations to keep their distance from the Walrus. Hence, it was concluded by the directorate that the risk of potential harm to people was high.

Officials stated that other possibilities, such as relocation, were taken into account but ultimately ruled out.

Authorities were previously concerned about the animal's safety within the fjord. Reported that health was declining and was not getting enough rest.

Espen Fjeld, a Norwegian zoologist, said that the decision to put down Freya was not surprising and inevitable. He said that people would swim in Oslo fjord, and suddenly Freya would appear unexpectedly. If someone got hit by a 600-kg walrus, it would not end well.

Ordinarily, Atlantic walruses live in the Arctic. It is unusual for them to journey into the North and Baltic seas, although it is not unheard of. It is reported that Mr Espen Fjeld told VG that killing a single animal would not affect the larger walrus population. More efforts should be made to safeguard their natural ecosystems from oil and gas drilling.