Beloved Beluga Whale Found Shot Dead in Norwegian Waters

A beloved beluga whale, long thought by many to be a spy for Russia, was allegedly found shot dead in waters off of Norway over the weekend, and animal rights groups are demanding an investigation.

The Whale’s Story

The whale, cleverly nicknamed Hvaldimir — a play on words for the Norwegian word for whale, hval, and the first name of Russian president, Vladimir Putin — was found dead Saturday in a bay along Norway’s southwest coast and “had multiple bullet wounds around his body,” an animal activist told AFP.

Investigation Demanded

On Wednesday, two animal-rights organizations, OneWhale and NOAH, announced that they’d filed a police report with local authorities and Norway’s national authority on environmental crimes.

“When I saw his body and the multiple injuries, I immediately knew he had been killed by gunshots,” Regina Haug, the founder of OneWhale, an organization created to protect and track the beluga, wrote in a statement.

A Shocking Discovery

The whale stole hearts and minds after it was first spotted off the coast of Norway in 2019. When first discovered, he was found wearing a manmade harness with a mount that would fit a camera. On the harness’s plastic clasps were the words “Equipment St. Petersburg,” printed in English — sparking speculation that the whale might have been playing a role in Russian espionage.

Facts About Beluga Whales

Beluga whales are relatively young at the age of 15 to 20, as they can live up to 40-60 years in the wild. The whale, Hvaldimir, was relatively young, and his death is considered a significant loss for the animal kingdom.

What Happened?

The Norwegian Veterinary Institute, where Hvaldimir’s body was taken, declined to comment on the situation, as the autopsy is ongoing. The report is expected within three weeks.

“The injuries on the whale are alarming and of a nature that cannot rule out a criminal act — it is shocking,” Siri Martinsen, a veterinarian who’s the leader of NOAH, said in the statement.

Congratulations and Questions

With an estimated age of 15 to 20, Hvaldimir was relatively young for a beluga whale. The organization is demanding an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the whale’s death.

Conclusion: The death of Hvaldimir, the beluga whale, is a significant loss for the animal kingdom. Animal rights groups are demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, and the autopsy report is expected within three weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What was the whale’s age when he died?

A: The whale, Hvaldimir, was estimated to be 15 to 20 years old.

Q: Why was the whale wearing a harness with Russian markings?

A: The harness had a mount that would fit a camera, sparking speculation that the whale might have been playing a role in Russian espionage.

Q: Is the investigation ongoing?

A: Yes, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute is conducting an autopsy on the whale’s body, and the report is expected within three weeks.

Q: What can I do to help?

A: Animal rights groups are urging the public to support their efforts in investigating the circumstances surrounding the whale’s death and seeking justice for Hvaldimir.