Beluga whale Hvaldimir, known for suspicions of being a Russian spy due to a strange harness, was found dead off the southwest coast of Norway. The carcass was discovered by a father and son who were out fishing in Risavika Bay. Marine Mind, a nonprofit organization tracking the whale’s movements, described Hvaldimir as a symbol of hope and connection between humans and the natural world. The 14-15 year old, 1,225kg whale had been spotted off Norway’s northern coast in 2019, where speculation about his origin arose.
Despite rumors of being a spy whale trained by the Russian navy, Russian officials never responded. After Hvaldimir’s death, his remains were brought to shore for further examination to determine the cause of death. Marine biologist Sebastian Strand, who had been monitoring the whale, expressed deep sadness over the loss. Hvaldimir was known for interacting with people in Norwegian coastal towns, leading the media to speculate he may have been a therapy whale rather than a spy.
Beluga whales typically live between 40 and 60 years in northern waters. Hvaldimir’s unexpected death has left many questions unanswered, with Strand hoping to determine the cause in the coming investigation. Despite his strange beginnings, Hvaldimir had become a beloved figure in the region, showcasing the deep bond between humans and marine life. The loss of Hvaldimir has led to an outpouring of grief from those who had encountered the friendly beluga whale during his time in Norway.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
