“Russian spy whale was murdered”
Beluga Hvaldimir, known worldwide for his suspected role as a Russian spy, was found dead off the coast of Norway.
The estimated 4.2-meter-long and 1,220-pound animal lived to be only 15 years old, while this type of whale normally has a life expectancy of 35 to 50 years. It is unclear for now what this world-famous beluga died of, but two Norwegian NGOs argued Wednesday that the animal was deliberately killed.
White whale Hvaldimir was first spotted by fishermen in 2019. At the time, it was wearing a harness that referred to Russia (inside were the words Equipment St Petersburg) and was apparently designed to attach an action camera. This leads many people to believe that it was once trained by the Russians to spy. Although marine biologists removed its harness, Hvaldimir was soon nicknamed the “spy whale.
Nonprofits arranged for Hvaldimir's carcass to be sent to a specialized facility so his cause of death can be determined. The report is expected within three weeks. But two animal rights organizations, NOAH and One Whale, have already filed a complaint with the Norwegian police requesting a “criminal investigation.” After all, they believe the animal was deliberately killed.
Gunshot wounds
According to Regina Crosby Haug, the director of One Whale who went on site Monday when Hvaldimir's carcass was removed, the beluga whale showed gunshot wounds. For her part, Siri Martinsen of NOAH said in a press release that the animal's wounds indicate that foul play was involved. “It is crucial that the police act quickly,” she says.
(FVDV for Tagtik/Source: AP - Reuters - Belga/Illustration picture: Unsplash)