Hvaldimir, a beluga whale who had become something of a celebrity in Norway, was recently found dead, sparking concerns and theories about the cause of his demise. Animal rights groups are raising serious allegations, claiming evidence suggests the whale may have been intentionally killed.
OneWhale and NOAH, organizations dedicated to the protection of Hvaldimir, have requested a criminal investigation into his death. They cite strong evidence of gunshot wounds on his body as the cause of death. Multiple experts, including veterinarians, biologists, and ballistics specialists, have examined the evidence and concluded that the whale’s death was the result of a deliberate act.
Siri Martinsen, veterinarian and leader of NOAH, expressed alarm, stating, “The injuries on the whale are alarming—it is shocking… it is crucial that the police are involved quickly. All facts must be brought to light regarding his death.”
Regina Haug, founder of OneWhale, who had a close relationship with Hvaldimir over the past five years, was deeply affected by his death. “When I saw his body, I immediately knew he had been killed by gunshots. I even saw a bullet lodged in his body. This kind, gentle animal was senselessly murdered. We will pursue justice for Hvaldimir and hope that someone comes forward with information about his killing,” Haug said.
Hvaldimir first gained notoriety in 2019 when he was spotted wearing a custom harness, leading to speculation that he may have been trained by the Russian military. This, coupled with his sudden death and the allegations of gunshot wounds, has added a layer of mystery and concern about the true cause of his demise.
The superintendent of the Southwestern Police District, Victor Fenne-Jensen, declined to comment on whether his department was investigating claims of Russian involvement, saying, “I don’t think we’ve had a case like this before.” He referred to Hvaldimir as “kind of a celebrity,” highlighting the unusual nature of this case.
Prior to his death, OneWhale and NOAH were attempting to relocate Hvaldimir to a safer area in northern Norway, having obtained permits from the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries. However, his untimely death has left the organizations and the public grappling with unanswered questions and demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
