Norwegian authorities have determined that the death of Hvaldimir, the beluga whale once dubbed a “Russian spy” by Western media, was not the result of foul play.
The whale, discovered deceased in Risavika Bay in southern Norway in late August, was initially suspected of being shot due to multiple circular holes on its body. However, an autopsy conducted by the Norwegian Veterinary Institute indicated otherwise.
Police stated on Friday that Hvaldimir likely died from a bacterial infection that developed within a wound caused by a stick lodged in its mouth. They explained the circular holes were most likely created by birds feeding on the whale’s carcass.
“As there is nothing in the investigations to indicate that Hvaldimir was killed in an illegal manner, the police see no reason to start a probe into the whale’s death,” police stated, adding that the complaint filed by animal rights groups has been dropped.
Amund Preede Revheim, head of the North Sea and Environment Section of the police in south-west Norway, noted that the autopsy was “difficult” due to the advanced state of decomposition of the whale’s organs.
Hvaldimir, a white beluga whale, was first spotted off the coast of Norway’s northern Finnmark region in 2019. The animal was wearing an action camera harness labeled ‘Equipment St. Petersburg,’ fueling speculation in Western media that it was a “Russian spy whale.” Some suggested it was a trained “therapy whale” that had escaped.
The whale was nicknamed ‘Hvaldimir’ – a combination of the Norwegian word for whale (hval) and the name of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Known for its friendly nature, Hvaldimir frequently approached boats and interacted with people.