Norwegian authorities have concluded their investigation into the death of Hvaldimir, a beluga whale that gained international attention in 2019. The whale's body was discovered on August 31, 2024, in southern Norway, prompting an inquiry following concerns raised by animal rights groups.
Hvaldimir, whose name combines the Norwegian word for whale and the first name of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was first spotted in Norwegian waters five years ago wearing a harness with what appeared to be a camera mount. This unusual discovery led to speculation about the whale's origins and purpose, with some jokingly suggesting it might be a "Russian spy."
The police investigation revealed that Hvaldimir's death was not related to human activity. An autopsy found a 35 cm long and 3 cm wide stick lodged in the whale's mouth. Additionally, the whale's stomach was empty, and most of its organs had deteriorated.
Beluga whales, known for their distinctive white color and bulbous forehead, are highly social animals typically found in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. These intelligent creatures, sometimes called "sea canaries" due to their wide range of vocalizations, can dive to depths of 800 meters and stay underwater for up to 25 minutes.
Contrary to initial allegations by animal rights groups, the police found no evidence of Hvaldimir being shot. The injuries observed were described as "completely superficial." The authorities have decided not to pursue further investigation, with a full report expected to be released in two weeks.
The case of Hvaldimir highlights the complex relationship between marine life and human activity. Beluga whales, with a global population estimated at around 150,000, face threats from pollution, habitat loss, and hunting in some regions. These animals are known for their intelligence and have been observed forming close bonds with other species, including humans.
As the investigation concludes, Hvaldimir's story serves as a reminder of the importance of marine conservation and the need for continued research into the lives of these fascinating creatures. The average lifespan of a beluga whale in the wild is 35-50 years, and they play a crucial role in Arctic ecosystems.