A beluga whale, suspected of being trained as a spy for Russia, was found dead with multiple bullet wounds off the coast of Norway on August 31. Animal rights groups Noah and One Whale have filed a complaint with Norwegian police, urging a criminal investigation into the incident. The whale, named “Hvaldimir,” first appeared in Norway’s Finnmark region in 2019 and had become a local celebrity.
Background
Hvaldimir, a white beluga whale, was discovered dead in a bay on Norway’s south-western coast. The body was transported to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute on September 2 for an autopsy, with results expected within three weeks. Regina Crosby Haug, head of One Whale, confirmed the presence of multiple bullet wounds, describing the injuries as alarming and potentially indicative of a criminal act. Siri Martinsen, director of Noah, echoed these concerns, calling the situation shocking.
Autopsy results expected in 3 weeks
The autopsy of Hvaldimir is being conducted by the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, with findings anticipated in three weeks. Marine Mind, another organisation tracking the whale, reported finding Hvaldimir’s body floating in the water at around 2:30 pm on Saturday. While some injuries appeared to be caused by marine birds, other markings remain unexplained at this stage.
Too young to die
Hvaldimir was estimated to be between 15 and 20 years old, relatively young for a beluga whale, which typically have a lifespan of 40 to 60 years. This has added to the tragedy of the situation, as the whale had many potential years ahead.
Ties to Moscow?
When Hvaldimir was first found in 2019, Norwegian marine biologists removed a man-made harness with a mount suited for an action camera. The harness had the words “Equipment St Petersburg” printed in English on its plastic clasps. Norwegian officials speculated that Hvaldimir might have been trained by the Russian navy and escaped from an enclosure, given his apparent familiarity with humans. Moscow has never responded to these speculations.
Calls for justice
Animal rights groups are now calling for justice for Hvaldimir. “The injuries on the whale are alarming and of a nature that cannot rule out a criminal act,” said Siri Martinsen. The organisations hope that the autopsy results will provide more clarity and potentially lead to accountability for the whale’s death.
Future implications
The death of Hvaldimir has raised significant concerns about the treatment of marine life and the potential use of animals in espionage. The incident has also highlighted the need for stricter protections for marine animals and more robust international regulations. The outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for animal rights and international relations.
