Freya the walrus: Celebrity mammal which was put down in Norway honoured with life-size sculpture

A 600kg walrus which found global fame for her antics in the Oslo fjord before being put down has been honoured with a life-size sculpture.

Freya, named after the Norse goddess of beauty and love, became a popular attraction in Norway after she clambered onto small boats to sunbathe and sunk them as she rested along the coast last summer.

But in a move which sparked public outrage, she was later euthanised due to fears she posed a risk to humans.

Fans had been warned not to get too close to the 1,300lb mammal, and it was hoped she would eventually leave of her own accord.

However, authorities said people had not followed recommendations to keep a safe distance away from the massive animal.

Norway’s Directorate of Fisheries said there was evidence of people having thrown things at the walrus, bathed alongside her, and taken pictures near the edge of the water close to her.

Now a bronze sculpture of Freya has been unveiled at the Oslo marina – not far from where she was seen relaxing during the summer months of 2022.

The piece was created by Norwegian artist Astri Tonoian and was financed after a crowdfunding campaign began last autumn, reported the NTB news agency.

The private initiative had raised about 270,000 Norwegian kroner (£20,200) by October, NTB said.

After Freya was put down, the Blue Planet Society said that “by any measure, killing Freya was absolutely the wrong decision by Norway”.

The head of the Directorate of Fisheries, Frank Bakke-Jensen, said at the time that other options were considered for Freya, including moving her to another place.

But it was decided that was not a viable option.

Walruses are a protected species and normally live in herds in the Arctic, further north.

It was thought that, as well as being far from her usual habitat, Freya was also stressed because she was not getting enough rest.