Oslo Fjord: Freya the Walrus Euthanized

Improve the News Foundation -

Facts

  • A Walrus, nicknamed Freya, who rose to fame in the Oslo Fjord, has been euthanized due to concerns over public safety, according to Norwegian officials.
  • The head of Norway's fisheries directorate, Frank Bakke-Jensen, stated that "the decision to euthanize was taken on the basis of a global evaluation of the persistent threat to human security."
  • The 1,300 lb walrus rose to fame after it began to climb onto small boats to sunbathe. Increasingly large crowds of people began to come to the Oslo Fjord to see Freya, who was put down on Sunday.
  • This comes after the directorate stated on Friday that there was evidence of people throwing things at Freya, bathing alongside her and taking pictures near the edge of the water close to her.
  • Bakke-Jensen and his wife have reportedly received death threats over the decision to euthanize the walrus, particularly from the UK.

Sources: BBC News, Guardian, ABC, Newsbud, and The Local.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by The Guardian. While regrettable, this was the only solution. Authorities considered moving Freya but this was simply not viable and too complex. The risk of Freya's death was well known for over a week, but people persisted and authorities had to do what was necessary to prioritize the safety of humans.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Mother Jones. Freya is a metaphor for humanity's poor relationship with wildlife. She was forced to flee her natural habitat due to human-triggered global warming, only to be deemed a danger in the Oslo Fjord because people wouldn't listen to warnings to steer clear. She has paid for human ignorance with her life, and the decision to euthanize her was made too hastily.