Animal welfare organizations Noah and OneWhale have raised suspicions that Hvaldimir, the famous “spy whale,” may have been shot and killed.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the groups stated they have “strong indications” that Hvaldimir’s death could be due to human-inflicted harm. They have now filed a formal report with authorities, urging an investigation.
A frequent visitor to salmon farms, Hvaldimir the Russian spy whale is found dead
The police in Sør-Vest confirmed receiving the report on Wednesday evening. “The police have received a report from NOAH and OneWhale, who suspect that the white whale Hvaldimir has been illegally killed. We will now assess whether there is reasonable cause to initiate an investigation,” said Amund Preede Revheim, head of the North Sea and Environment Section at the Sør-Vest police district.
Hvaldimir, a beluga whale who gained international fame after being discovered in 2019 with a harness believed to be of Russian origin, was found dead near Sola in Rogaland over the weekend. Known for interacting with aquaculture facilities, including a visit to Cermaq’s site in Olderfjord, his sudden death has shocked many.
Veterinarians, biologists, and other experts who reviewed images of Hvaldimir’s injuries described them as alarming. Siri Martinsen, leader of Noah and a veterinarian, told NRK that the nature of the injuries points to possible foul play, though this has not yet been confirmed.
The Veterinary Institute is currently conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. According to Communications Director Asle Haukaas, the police will be notified if any evidence of a criminal act is uncovered.
Hvaldimir first appeared in Hammerfest in 2019, sparking speculation that he had been trained in Russia, either as a spy or a therapy whale, before finding his way to Norwegian waters.
As the investigation unfolds, the question remains: Who, if anyone, shot Hvaldimir?
