Campaign under way in Norway to erect statue of euthanised walrus

Freya the walrus (Tor Erik Schroder/NTB Scanpix/AP)

A private fundraising campaign is under way in Norway to erect a statue of a walrus that drew crowds of spectators but was euthanised on Sunday after authorities concluded the massive marine mammal posed a risk to humans.

Known affectionately to fans as Freya, the walrus became a popular attraction in the Oslo Fjord in recent weeks, despite warnings from officials that people should refrain from getting close and posing for pictures with the animal.