Beluga whale Hvaldimir with “Russian espionage” past allegedly shot: “Several gunshot wounds found on body”

Hvaldimir, a Beluga whale known for its mysterious origins and viral fame in Norwaywas found dead on the southwest coast of the country last Saturday. According to several reports Animal rights groupsincluding A whale And NOAHhave claimed that the whale was shot, which required a criminal investigation into his death.
The beluga whale first attracted attention in 2019 when it appeared in Norway's Finnmark region wearing a harness, sparking speculation that it had been trained by the Russian military. Hvaldimir's harness read “Equipment St. Petersburg,” raising questions about his possible role as a “Russian spy.” However, Moscow never officially addressed these rumors.
Animal rights groups demand action
One Whale, a non-profit organization protecting Hvaldimir, and NOAH, Norway's largest animal rights organization, have both raised the alarm about the whale's death. In a statement, One Whale expressed fears that Hvaldimir was killed intentionally, citing evidence of gunshot wounds.
“The evidence strongly suggests that Hvaldimir’s death was the result of human-inflicted injuries,” One Whale said on its website.

Autopsy pending
Hvaldimir's body was discovered by a father and son while fishing in Risavika Bay. It has been sent to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute for an autopsy, with results expected within three weeks. According to One Whale, several Gunshot wounds were found on the whale's body, but the exact cause of death has yet to be officially confirmed.
Siri Martinsen of NOAH described the injuries as “alarming” and said they indicated a possible criminal act. Both organizations have filed a police report and called for a thorough investigation.

The legacy of Hvaldimir
Hvaldimir, who is said to be between 15 and 20 years old, became something of a celebrity after his appearance in Norway in 2019. The beluga, whose name is reminiscent of the Norwegian word for “whale” and is also the first name of Russian President Vladimir Putin, attracted great interest due to his harness and the mystery surrounding his past.
While Hvaldimir's cause of death is still under investigation, his unique story and tragic end have reignited the debate about human treatment of marine life and the protection of endangered species.