The mysterious life of Hvaldimir, the beluga whale known as Norway’s “spy whale,” is under the spotlight again with the release of a new BBC documentary.
Secrets of the Spy Whale explores the enigmatic journey of the beluga first seen in Norwegian waters in 2019, sporting a harness labeled “Equipment of St Petersburg” and sparking speculations about Russian military connections.
Hvaldimir’s unusual presence around Norway’s coastal regions, including his regular visits to salmon farms, has intrigued marine experts and locals alike.
The documentary traces Hvaldimir’s origins, suggesting he may have been trained as a “guard whale” rather than as a spy. Jennifer Shaw, the film’s director, says that this new theory comes from research into Russia’s military history of marine mammal training, especially within the strategic waters of the Arctic.
“Our latest findings bring us closer to solving the mystery of Hvaldimir’s life, but they also raise further questions about what he might have been trained to protect,” Shaw said.
Hvaldimir’s appearances at Norwegian salmon farms, where he interacted with equipment and workers, added to his mystique. His unexpected visits gave farm workers a close-up view of the whale, including one encounter in 2019 where Hvaldimir approached a workboat to the amazement of the crew.
“He came right up to the boat. I even got to pat him before he swam off,” said Tor Espen Olaussen, a workboat operator who encountered the whale. His friendly nature and interaction with farm equipment suggested a trained familiarity with human contact.
The documentary also dives into historical accounts of marine mammals used for surveillance and security, tracing back to Cold War-era programs in the Soviet Union and the United States. In the film, marine biologist Dr. Eve Jourdain shares her observations of Hvaldimir in Hammerfest, noting his behavior around objects and cameras, which suggested he had been conditioned to approach anything resembling a “target.”
While Hvaldimir’s story has captivated international audiences, his fate has also taken a tragic turn. Earlier this year, he was found dead in Risavika Bay, reportedly with no visible injuries, prompting authorities to perform a necropsy. His untimely death has raised concerns about the well-being of marine animals used in military or surveillance roles and whether they can adapt to life in the wild.
