Freya the walrus became an instant star at Oslo fjord, drawing crowds as she soaked up the sun and played in the water.
But the fun was short-lived. Officials saw her as a public risk and, spotting signs of distress, ordered her euthanasia. The move sparked fury, with many calling it a cruel overreaction.
Outrage Over Freya’s Tragic End
Animal lovers and locals slammed the decision, claiming Freya posed no real threat. Critics argued more could have been done to protect the gentle giant.
From Grief to Tribute: $25,000 Raised
In response, an online campaign blitzed social media, raising over $25,000 to honour Freya with a stunning life-size statue.
Fierce and Fiercely Remembered
The sculpture shows Freya lying peacefully on Oslo’s rocky Kongen Marina shore — close to where she was last seen. Campaign leader Erik Holm said,
“This isn’t just about remembering Freya. It’s a call to action on how we treat nature and animals.”