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The sudden death of Hvaldimir, a beluga whale famous in Norway and suspected of being trained by Russia as a "spy whale," has turned into a potential murder mystery. Found lifeless in a harbor in Stavanger, Norway, Hvaldimir was beloved for his sociable nature and regular appearances along the coast. He gained international attention in 2019 after being spotted wearing a harness labeled "Equipment St. Petersburg," leading to speculation that he had escaped from a Russian military facility.
Animal rights groups OneWhale and NOAH have filed a police report, alleging that Hvaldimir was killed by gunfire. Preliminary findings from veterinarians, biologists, and ballistics experts suggest that his death was caused by gunshot wounds, based on photographic evidence showing bloodstains and holes in the whale's body. The groups are urging police to launch a criminal investigation.
The Norwegian Veterinary Institute is conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, with results expected in up to three weeks. Meanwhile, the Sør-West police are assessing whether to investigate further. The mysterious circumstances surrounding Hvaldimir's death have left many questioning who might have shot the whale and why.
Hvaldimir's death occurred during efforts to relocate him to safer waters in northern Norway, where he could join other belugas. This plan had been controversial, with another organization, Marine Mind, opposing the move due to potential risks. It was Marine Mind that discovered Hvaldimir's body, but they have refrained from speculating on the cause of death until the autopsy is complete.
As the investigation unfolds, the question remains: Who shot Hvaldimir, and what motivated this tragic act?
[With information from NBC News]
