Hvaldimir, a white beluga whale that gained attention as a potential “spy whale,” was found dead in the harbor of Stavanger, Norway, over the weekend. The whale, known for its large size and distinctive harness that carried a tag reading “Equipment St. Petersburg,” had frequently been spotted along the Norwegian coastline since its first appearance in April 2019, leading to theories that it may have been trained by Russian military.
Hvaldimir had forged a bond with local residents, who affectionately named him by combining the Norwegian word for whale, “hval,” and the first name of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The whale, measuring 14 feet and weighing 2,700 pounds, had been living in Stavanger since last year.
Sebastian Strand, a marine biologist associated with the nonprofit Marine Mind, expressed his heartbreak upon discovering the whale’s death, stating Hvaldimir had a significant impact on many lives. Strand noted that the whale was known to be alive just days before its passing and that they were investigating a reported sighting at the time.
Initial investigations showed that Hvaldimir had only superficial injuries, and the exact cause of death remains uncertain, with an autopsy underway. Despite rumors that Hvaldimir might have been on a secret mission for Russia, the Kremlin never acknowledged ownership of the whale.
Historically, various navies, including those from the Soviet Union and the U.S., have used marine animals for military purposes, training them for missions related to underwater object retrieval and mine detection. However, Hvaldimir’s behavior also suggested he might have been a therapy whale, evidenced by his playful interactions with people and responsiveness to hand signals.
Reports indicate that Hvaldimir likely crossed from Russian waters, where it was presumed to have been held captive. His solitary nature and strong affinity for human interaction were atypical for belugas, who usually travel in groups. Known for following catamarans and fishing in areas with surplus feed, Hvaldimir had drawn attention from both locals and authorities, who worried about potential dangers from nearby boats.
As marine experts work to determine the cause of Hvaldimir’s death, Strand emphasized the importance of honoring the whale’s memory and ensuring that its passing does not remain shrouded in mystery, reflecting on the deep connection many had formed with this beloved marine creature.