One Year Later, Freya The Boat-Sinking Walrus From Norway Getting A Sculpture In Her Honor.
“The artist behind a sculpture of a walrus that was controversially euthanized over public safety concerns says she hopes her creation becomes a “three-dimensional history lesson” after it was unveiled in Norway’s capital Oslo.
The life-sized bronze statue shows Freya the walrus curled up on her side close to the water’s edge. The artwork was funded by an online campaign, which raised $25,000 (£19,000).
Freya became a social media sensation last year, with tourists and locals thronging to see her.
The young female had been spending time at the Oslo Fjord, an inlet on the country’s southeastern coast, and was seemingly unafraid of humans, unlike most walruses. Videos showed the walrus clambering onto small boats to sunbathe.
She became a danger to visitors who ignored the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries orders to keep a clear distance from her, instead getting up close to take photos of the mammal and even throwing objects at her. This prompted the directorate to make the decision to put her down, leaving many across the country enraged.
The statue’s artist, Astri Tonoian, told CNN how she was happy to work on the project “almost for free” as it was an issue that was close to her heart. She hopes it will serve as a “three-dimensional history lesson.”” – CNN.COM
Freya the walrus is back on the Oslo harborside – in statue form. pic.twitter.com/uSDaGTVA2i
— CGTN Europe (@CGTNEurope) April 30, 2023
