A beluga whale, suspected of being a Russian intelligence asset, was found dead over the weekend, causing sorrow among Norwegian fishermen who had grown fond of him. The whale, affectionately named “Hvaldimir,” was believed to be between 14 and 17 years old. Marine biologist Sebastian Strand reported seeing the whale’s white body floating in Norway’s Risavika Bay on Saturday afternoon, expressing concern that the whale’s age was far younger than anticipated, as belugas typically have a lifespan of over 30 years.
The cause of Hvaldimir’s death is currently unknown. After the whale was discovered, port officials transported his body to a cooling facility for an autopsy, with results expected in a few weeks, according to Olav Lekve from Norway’s fisheries directorate.
Hvaldimir gained international attention five years ago when he approached fishermen while wearing a harness that had “Equipment St. Petersburg” inscribed on it. This led locals to nickname him “Hvaldimir,” a playful blend of the Norwegian word for whale and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first name.
Initially associated with geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West, Hvaldimir became known as an “ambassador between species,” as described by Strand, who has tracked the whale for years. While he may have been trained by Russian handlers, Hvaldimir’s friendly and playful nature endeared him to people, making him more beloved than infamous.
Hvaldimir was known for his sociable personality, often seeking attention from humans. He frequently splashed around to entertain children and traveled extensively along Norway’s coastlines, even visiting Sweden after lingering in the northern Finnmark region.
Researchers previously speculated that the harness Hvaldimir wore could have been used for weapons or cameras, raising suspicions about a Russian navy program that aimed to train aquatic mammals for espionage. However, Moscow has denied such a program existed, despite past instances where it sought to acquire dolphins for military use.
The exact purpose of Hvaldimir’s harness remains uncertain. Strand noted that it might be impossible to fully understand the whale’s past. The U.S. Navy has utilized dolphins and sea lions for military purposes since the 1950s, primarily for locating mines and gathering intelligence.
Strand discovered Hvaldimir’s body during a routine check of reported sightings. He noted that there were no immediate signs explaining the whale’s death.
Regina Crosby Haug, a filmmaker and advocate for Hvaldimir, shared concerns over the beluga’s unusual comfort with humans, stating that it posed a danger to him. She had been campaigning for Hvaldimir’s relocation to safer waters and had even obtained the necessary permits for the move.
Experts believe Hvaldimir’s friendly demeanor may have stemmed from his loneliness as a solitary whale, leading him to seek companionship from boats. Such behavior ultimately made him vulnerable. Strand expressed deep sorrow over Hvaldimir’s passing, remarking that the whale had touched the hearts of many.