The white beluga whale known as Hvaldimir, suspected of being a Russian “spy whale,” has passed away in Norway. Hvaldimir first gained attention in 2019 when Norwegian fishermen encountered him about 180 miles from the Russian maritime border. The whale was wearing a harness with a camera and a label that read “Equipment St Petersburg,” which led to speculation that he might be a Russian spy.
However, the Russian navy denied these claims, stating they had military dolphins for combat roles, and questioned why they would use a whale with such conspicuous markings.
The Russian Navy responded to the spy allegations by pointing out the improbability of such an operation, highlighting that they would not attach a contact number to a spy animal. Despite this, the theory persisted due to the unusual nature of Hvaldimir’s equipment. In the years since his discovery, Hvaldimir became a symbol of curiosity and speculation, drawing significant attention to his situation.
Spy Whale Hvaldimir Dies in Norway, Leaving Legacy of Curiosity and ConservationHvaldimir’s death was announced by the Marine Mind NGO on August 31, 2024. In their tribute posted on Instagram, they shared their sorrow over his passing, revealing that he was found floating peacefully in the water. The cause of death was not immediately clear, and a necropsy is scheduled to determine what led to his early demise. The NGO emphasized the impact Hvaldimir had on people, fostering appreciation for marine life and conservation efforts.
The Marine Mind NGO praised Hvaldimir for bridging the gap between humans and wild animals, noting the special mark he left on those who encountered him. His presence was described as a powerful reminder of the wonders of nature and the importance of protecting our oceans. The tribute also included messages of condolence and reflection on his contribution to raising awareness about ocean conservation.
According to the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries, Hvaldimir was found in the harbor of Stavanger and had been residing in the area since 2023. They are conducting an autopsy to establish the cause of death, which will be publicly available in a few weeks. The whale weighed approximately 2,700 pounds and was 14 feet long, and his passing has prompted both public and scientific interest in understanding what led to his death.