Hvaldimir, a white beluga whale that captured the hearts of many in Norway, was found dead at the age of four on Saturday in the harbor of Stavanger. The whale had been a frequent sight along the Norwegian coast since its first appearance in April 2019, reportedly discovered wearing a harness and a mount that seemed designed for a small camera. The buckle on this gear bore the inscription “Equipment St. Petersburg,” which fueled speculation that Hvaldimir might have been an escaped “spy whale,” trained for military operations in Russia.
The whale quickly endeared itself to locals, who affectionately named it Hvaldimir, merging the Norwegian term for whale, “hval,” and the first name of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Measuring 14 feet long and weighing 2,700 pounds, Hvaldimir had been residing in the Stavanger area since last year.
Marine biologist Sebastian Strand, who had closely monitored Hvaldimir’s movements through the nonprofit organization Marine Mind, expressed his sorrow upon discovering the whale’s body. He stated that he was “heartbroken” over the loss and highlighted the whale’s impact on the lives of many people. Strand confirmed that Hvaldimir was alive as recently as the previous Friday.
According to Strand, initial observations indicated only superficial injuries on the whale, but the cause of death remains unknown. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday to help determine what transpired. While residents speculated about Hvaldimir’s possible connection to a clandestine Russian mission, the Kremlin never acknowledged the whale as part of any military operation.
The use of marine animals for military purposes has been documented historically, with various navies, including those of the U.S. and the former Soviet Union, training dolphins and whales for tasks during the Cold War, such as detecting mines and recovering underwater objects. However, some theories suggested that Hvaldimir could have been a therapy whale, which might explain its friendly behavior and interaction with humans.
Marine Mind noted that it is believed Hvaldimir crossed into Norwegian waters from Russia, potentially after being held in captivity. The whale exhibited unusual behavior for its species, which typically travels in pods and lives in remote Arctic locations. Hvaldimir was often observed following catamarans and hunting near fish farms, where it could take advantage of the feed provided to cultivated fish.
Over time, Hvaldimir’s presence near populated areas raised concerns regarding potential injuries from boats and fishing equipment. Strand emphasized the commitment to ensuring Hvaldimir’s body is treated with dignity and thoroughly examined to uncover the reasons behind his untimely death, mourning the loss of a cherished companion to many.