Gunfire Kills Beluga Whale Hvaldimir, Sparking Outrage and Criminal Investigation in Norway

Animal rights organizations have reported that Hvaldimir, a beluga whale found off the coast of Norway, was killed by gunfire. Hvaldimir gained attention in Norway due to its unusual harness, which led to speculation that it was trained by Russia for espionage purposes. The organizations NOAH and One Whale have filed a complaint with the Norwegian police requesting a criminal investigation into the whale's death. Hvaldimir, whose name is a play on the Norwegian word for whale (hval) and its suspected links to Moscow, was first spotted in 2019 in Norway's far-northern Finnmark region. The whale was found dead on a Saturday in a bay on Norway's southwestern coast. Its body was later transported to a local branch of the Norwegian Veterinary Institute for autopsy, with the report expected in approximately three weeks. 

Allegations of Criminal Act

According to the head of the One Whale organization, Regina Crosby Haug, who examined Hvaldimir's body, the whale displayed multiple bullet wounds. The director of NOAH, Siri Martinsen, expressed shock at the nature of the injuries, stating that they suggested a potential criminal act. The organization has emphasized the importance of swift police involvement in light of the suspicions surrounding the whale's death. 

Another organization, Marine Mind, which also monitored Hvaldimir's movements, reported discovering the whale's dead body floating in the water. The organization's director, Sebastian Strand, mentioned that while there were markings on the body, it was too early to determine their cause. He noted that some of the markings might have been caused by marine birds but emphasized the need for further investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding Hvaldimir's death. 

Estimated Age and Background

Hvaldimir was estimated to be between 15 and 20 years old, relatively young for a beluga whale, which can live between 40 to 60 years. When first found in 2019, Norwegian marine biologists discovered a man-made harness with a mount for an action camera and the words "Equipment St. Petersburg" printed on the plastic clasps. This fueled speculation that Hvaldimir had escaped from an enclosure and might have been trained by the Russain navy. The Russian military has been rumored to have a history of attempting to weaponize sea mammals, with reports of training combat dolphins to counter Ukrainian forces. However, the Russian government has not officially addressed the allegations regarding Hvaldimir's potential connection to espionage. 

Emotional Response and Future Actions

Following the discovery of Hvaldimir's death, One Whale expressed their heartbreak and anger at the news, as they had been working tirelessly to ensure the whale's safety and provide it with a better life. The organization's statement reflected their deep emotional investment in Hvaldimir's welfare and their frustration at its untimely demise.