The beluga whale that was found dead in southern Norway last month, with a harness reading “Equipment St. Petersburg,” has sparked speculation and controversy. Initially, animal rights groups claimed that the whale, known as Hvaldimir, was shot to death. However, Norwegian police have stated that there is no evidence to support this claim. A preliminary autopsy conducted by the Norwegian Veterinary Institute revealed that most of the wounds on the whale were superficial and not fatal, with no indication of gunshot wounds.
Despite the lack of evidence pointing to foul play in the beluga whale’s death, animal advocate groups, OneWhale and NOAH, are not satisfied with the preliminary results. They are calling for the police investigation to continue and have offered a reward for any tips that could reopen the case. The mysterious circumstances surrounding the whale’s death have sparked intrigue and speculation, with media reports suggesting that the whale may have been trained for military purposes by the Russian navy or even as a therapy animal.
The 4.2-meter-long and 1,225-kilogram beluga whale was first spotted near the northern island of Ingoeya in 2019 and was known for its tame behavior and interactions with people in various Norwegian coastal towns. The harness found on the whale, along with what appeared to be a mount for a small camera, fueled rumors that it may have been a “spy whale.” Although the true purpose of the harness remains unclear, experts believe that the Russian navy has trained whales for military missions in the past.
Despite the speculation surrounding the whale’s origins and the controversy over its death, the final autopsy report is expected to be released later this month. The Norwegian police have stated that they will not actively investigate the case further at this time. However, the animal rights groups are persistent in their demand for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the beluga whale’s demise. As the mystery surrounding Hvaldimir’s death continues to capture public attention, the fate of this enigmatic creature remains a subject of debate and speculation in Norway and beyond.
