Did you know Russi had a “spy whale”? No, we didn’t either. But it turns out they did, and when it was discovered dead earlier this month, people speculated that the whale had been shot dead. Turns out, it wasn’t.
The beluga whale nicknamed “Hvaldimir,” which gained worldwide attention for its suspected ties to Russia’s military, did not die as a result of foul play, contrary to earlier claims. Norwegian police announced that an autopsy revealed the whale died from a bacterial infection, likely caused by a stick lodged in its mouth, not from gunshot wounds as previously speculated by animal rights groups.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLTSDx8lFfo
Hvaldimir, who was first spotted in 2019 wearing a harness labeled “Equipment St. Petersburg,” was believed by some to be a “spy whale” trained by the Russian military, sparking international intrigue. The whale, known for its friendly behavior and mysterious origins, had been living along Norway’s coast for several years before it was found dead in a southern Norwegian bay on August 31, 2024.
Animal advocacy groups OneWhale and NOAH had filed a police report in September, raising concerns that Hvaldimir might have been intentionally killed after they observed what they believed were bullet wounds on the whale’s body. However, the final autopsy report, conducted by Norway’s Veterinary Institute, found no evidence of gunshot injuries. X-rays and other forensic examinations revealed no metal fragments or projectiles, ruling out the possibility of the whale being shot.
The autopsy was complicated due to the state of the whale’s decomposed organs, but a stick measuring 35 centimeters long was found stuck in Hvaldimir’s mouth. It is believed this wound contributed to the bacterial infection that led to the whale’s death. With no signs of direct human involvement in the whale’s demise, Norwegian police concluded that there was no reason to pursue a criminal investigation.
Hvaldimir had become a beloved figure in Norway after being regularly spotted near fishing boats and interacting with locals. The whale’s presence, along with the mystery of its Russian harness, had fueled speculation that it may have been part of a military program. However, the Russian government never officially commented on the matter.
Though saddened by Hvaldimir’s death, OneWhale, the group dedicated to his protection, expressed pride in their efforts over the past five years to safeguard and advocate for the whale’s well-being.
Well, at least the whale will go down in history as the most beloved spy…ever?
