This summer, the 600 kilo walrus “Freya” has appeared in several places along the coast of southern Norway.
On Sunday, she has moved again. This time to the capital. Walrus expert Rune Aae, is clear on what curious Oslo citizens must not do.
– Do not bathe with «Freya». It’s fy-fy. It is so simple that she is big, and you do not know how she will behave if someone wants to swim with her.
He adds that she has not shown signs of being aggressive, but that she can decide to play.
– We are 60-80 kilos, while the walrus is 600 kilos. It’s a bad match, and can go really wrong. Because she can drag us down under water.
Keep your distance
In addition to swimming, Aae encourages people to keep their distance from “Freya” when she is on land.
– If she first lies on land, it is to relax after a big meal. People can stand at a distance and take pictures, but do not walk close. She needs to relax after eating, he says.
“Freya” has received a lot of attention for lying in small boats, to the delight of some, but to the despair of the owners.
Aae also has clear advice for people who have a boat in the Oslo Fjord.
– If you find that “Freya” is nearby, either pick up the boat while she is there, or tie it tighter so that it is better attached.
Beaches and piers
Aae says “Freya” is usually not in the same place for very long.
– She’s going to be here two to three days. Then she’s gone and shows up somewhere else.
SLEEPED: Freya has been lying asleep on a pier by the King last night. Photo: Ørn E. Borgen / NTB
– What potential places can she appear in Oslo?
– It’s really everywhere. She grazes in shallow areas. This applies to coastal areas throughout the country, including the Bunnefjord. This is where we have beaches and piers.
Oslo is densely populated, so there will be a number of meetings with “Freya” eventually, says Aae.
– If she does not experience that there are too many people, and travels south again.
He adds:
– The most important thing is to stay away. If you’re in the water, get up.
