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Freya The Walrus — How They Slaughtered The Trusting, Gentle Giant

Shock, heartbreak and anger as Norwegian authorities execute beloved walrus

Photo by Romy Vreeswijk on Unsplash (Not Freya — photo for illustrative purposes only)

Waves of sadness, shock and anger are reverberating around the world this evening, after news that Norwegian authorities have callously slaughtered Freya the Walrus, the trusting, gentle giant who has been peacefully living side-by-side with fishermen, tourists and locals in an Oslo fjord.

Global news channels have parroted the wording of her killers, referring to her slaughter as ‘euthanasia’. Nothing could be further from the truth. Euthanasia is an act of mercy done out of compassion, to end someone’s extreme and unbearable suffering. This was more akin to murder.

The much-loved walrus, Freya, had become a social media star during the summer, when she took up residence at the fjord in Norway. Having been first spotted hitching a ride on a Dutch submarine in October 2021, she was subsequently seen Scotland, Denmark, Germany and Northumberland, England before finally settling at Oslo’s Frognerkilen bay.

She was frequently seen hauled out on boats, resting and sunbathing. Once or twice, her vast bulk proved too much for the small pleasure boats and some damage was caused but, as fisheries official…