The legend of the beluga whale Hvaldimir, also known as the “Russian spy whale,” tragically ended when he was found dead in the Risavika Bay in southern Norway. His story had garnered international interest when he first appeared in 2019. A father and son out fishing discovered the whale, whose name combines Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first name and the Norwegian word for whale, hval.
Hvaldimir made headlines in April 2019 near the northern Norwegian island of Ingøya, close to the Arctic city of Hammerfest. He was found wearing a harness designed for a small camera, with a buckle labeled “Equipment St Petersburg,” sparking speculation that the Russian Navy had trained him. Russia has a known history of utilizing marine mammals for military operations, and the harness fueled suspicions of Hvaldimir’s involvement in covert missions.
Over time, however, Hvaldimir exhibited behavior that hinted at a more benign past. Unlike wild belugas, he was incredibly tame and actively sought human interaction. Experts began to suggest that he might have been used for therapy rather than military purposes. Marine biologist Sebastian Strand, part of the non-profit organization Marine Mind, had closely followed Hvaldimir’s movements over the past three years, noting his responsiveness to hand signals and his apparent enjoyment of human company.
Hvaldimir’s body was discovered by crane on Saturday, and it was brought to a nearby harbor for analysis. Although no obvious exterior injuries were discovered, the reason of death is still unknown. Strand conveyed his profound sorrow over the whale’s demise, adding that Hvaldimir had seemed well only the day before. Many people who had come to adore the amiable whale who was well-liked by both locals and visitors have been devastated by Hvaldimir’s untimely passing. His tale demonstrates the intricate connection between geopolitics, marine life, and mankind.