Norway puts down Freya the walrus that drew Oslo crowds

Berlin, Aug 14 (AP) Authorities in Norway said Sunday y have euthanised a walrus that h drawn crowds of spectators in Oslo Fjord after concluding that it posed a risk to humans.

600-kg (1,320-pound) female walrus, known affectionately as Freya, became a popular attraction in Norway in recent weeks, despite warnings from officials that people should refrain from getting close and posing for pictures with massive marine mammal. Freya liked to clamber on small boats, causing damage to m.

Walruses are protected and as recently as last month officials said y hoped Freya would leave of her own accord and that euthanasia would be a last resort.

Norway's Directorate of Fisheries said Freya was put down early Sunday based on an overall assessment of continued threat to human safety.

Through on-site observations past week it was me clear that public has disregarded current recommendation to keep a clear distance to walrus, it said. refore, Directorate has concluded, possibility for potential harm to people was high and animal welfare was not being maintained.

he of directorate, Frank Bakke-Jensen, said or options  including moving animal elsewhere  were considered. But authorities concluded it wasn't a viable option.

We have sympathies for fact that decision can cause reactions with public, but I am firm that this was right call, Bakke-Jensen said. We have great regard for animal welfare, but human life and safety must take precedence.

Atlantic walruses normally live in Arctic. It is unusual but not unheard of for m to travel into North and Baltic Seas.