Walrus Charms Crowds, Sinks Boats

“Euthanasia is out of the question,” declared Norway’s Director of Fisheries, which was very good news for Freya, the 1300-pound walrus who has been summering in and around Oslo marinas.

For months Norwegians have been watching the big mammal eat, sunbathe, and sleep on boats in harbors up and down the country's southeastern coastline. Freya has a preference for inflatables, which sometimes succumb to her prodigious girth and sink.

This time of year walruses normally hang out together in herds farther north,  so a lone walrus lolling about Oslo's busy Frognerkilen harbor is an odd sight. Marine biologists believe Freya — named for the Norse goddess of beauty and fertility – is from Svalbard, some 1200 miles away.

Authorities like the fisheries director are concerned that Freya’s interactions with humans could be dangerous to people and walrus alike. “Walruses are wild, protected and red-listed animals,” the director stated. “It is important that people keep their distance so as not to provoke dangerous situations.”

Researchers have built a floating platform for the walrus, hoping it will lure her  away from boats and people, but Freya seems to prefer the yachting life.

Watch Freya in action – which is to say lounging on boats – here: youtube.com/watch?v=yb75oe2zack.

Photo credit: Reuters