The beluga whale named Hvaldimir gained attention in 2019 when he was seen wearing a unique harness designed to hold a camera. AP Photo
The sudden death of a white beluga whale named Hvaldimir has sparked a wave of speculation and concern in Norway. The whale, known for its unusual harness and rumoured ties to the Russian military, was found dead over the weekend in southern Norway. This has led to claims from animal rights groups that Hvaldimir may have been murdered.
Hvaldimir first gained attention in 2019 when he was spotted wearing a harness with mounts for cameras. This unusual equipment led to theories that the whale had been trained by the Russian military. The beluga, whose name is a play on the Norwegian word for whale, “hval,” and Russian President Vladimir Putin, quickly became a figure of interest due to his mysterious background.
The situation took a darker turn when animal rights groups OneWhale and NOAH reported on Wednesday that Hvaldimir appeared to have been “shot to death.” They have called for a thorough criminal investigation, presenting what they claim is compelling evidence of gunshot wounds on the whale's body. Photos shared by OneWhale show what seem to be bloodstains and holes on the whale’s carcass, though CNN has not independently verified these claims.
The organizations have filed a police report with both the Sandnes Police District and the Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime. The Southwestern Police District has confirmed that they are looking into the matter but have not decided whether a formal investigation will be opened. Superintendent Victor Fenne-Jensen noted that the case is unusual and declined to comment on the possibility of the whale being a Russian spy.
A photo from September 4 shows Regina Haug, a manager from OneWhale.org, standing beside the body of the beluga whale Hvaldimir, who was discovered dead on August 31. AP Photo
Marine Mind, another non-profit dedicated to marine life protection, has urged the public to avoid jumping to conclusions until the Veterinary Institute completes its investigation. Marine Mind discovered Hvaldimir's body on Saturday in Risavika Bay, but initial examinations could not determine the cause of death.
Before Hvaldimir's death, efforts were underway to relocate him to a safer area in northern Norway. OneWhale and NOAH had been working with permits from the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries to move him. The whale’s body was recovered and taken to a local harbour for further examination.
Marine biologist Sebastian Strand mentioned that no significant external injuries were visible on Hvaldimir’s body at the time of discovery. In 2019, experts had indicated that Hvaldimir's harness, with its "Equipment St. Petersburg" label, suggested a connection to Russia, further fueling suspicions about his origins and training.
Hvaldimir's death has not only shocked those who followed his story but also raised questions about the potential for animal cruelty and the geopolitical implications of his mysterious past. The investigation into the beluga's death is ongoing, and the public awaits more details on what led to the loss of this enigmatic marine creature.
