Helsinki, Apr 29 (AP) A walrus that became a global celebrity last year after it was seen frolicking and basking in a Oslo fjord before it was euthanised by the authorities has been honoured with a bronze sculpture in Norway.

The life-size sculpture by Norwegian artist Astri Tonoian was unveiled on Saturday at the Oslo marina not far from the place where the actual 600-kilogram (1,300-pound) mammal was seen resting and relaxing during the summer of 2022.

Also Read | Earthquake in Somalia: Quake of Magnitude 4.7 Strikes Near Caluula.

The walrus, named Freya, quickly become a popular attraction among Oslo residents but Norwegian authorities later made a decision to euthanise it — causing public outrage — because they said people hadn't followed recommendations to keep a safe distance away from the massive animal.

Norwegian news agency NTB said a crowdfunding campaign was kicked off last fall to finance the sculpture.

Also Read | US: New Omicron Subvariant Becomes Second Dominant COVID-19 Strain in United States.

The private initiative managed to gather about 270,000 Norwegian kroner (USD 25,000) by October, NTB said. (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)