A 600kg walrus that gained worldwide fame for its antics in the Oslo Fjord has been honored before being put down with a life-size sculpture.
Freya, named after the Norse goddess of beauty and love, became a popular attraction in Norway after she boarded small boats to sunbathe and sink while resting along the coast last summer.
But in a move that angered the public, She is later killed Because of fears that it is dangerous to humans.
Fans were warned not to approach the 1,300-pound mammal, and it was hoped she would eventually leave of her own free will.
However, authorities said people did not follow recommendations to keep a safe distance from the large animal.
The Norwegian Fisheries Directorate said there was Evidence of people throwing things at walrusesbathe next to her, and take pictures near the water’s edge near her.
Now a bronze statue of Freya has been unveiled in Oslo’s marina – not far from where she was seen relaxing during the summer months in 2022.
The piece was created by Norwegian artist Astri Tonoyan and funded after a crowdfunding campaign that began last fall, NTB news agency reported.
NTB said the private initiative had raised around NOK 270,000 (£20,200) by October.
After putting down Freya, the Blue Planet Society said “By any measure, killing Freya was a completely wrong decision on Norway’s part.”
The head of the Fisheries Directorate, Frank Back-Jensen, said at the time that other options were being considered for Freya, including moving her elsewhere.
But it was decided that this was not a viable option.
Walruses are a protected species and usually live in herds in the Arctic, to the north.
It was thought that in addition to being away from her usual home, Freya was also stressed because she wasn’t getting enough rest.
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