Anna Hudak, news editor

The alleged Russian spy whale Hvaldimir, was found dead off the southwestern coast of Norway on Aug. 31. The circumstances of his death are uncertain. According to One Whale, an organization dedicated to the protection and safety of Hvaldimir, there is evidence that suggests he was killed by gunfire. NOAH and One Whale have both filed police reports and submitted them to Sandnes Police District and the Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim), calling for further investigation into the circumstances of Hvaldimir’s death. Regina Haug, the founder of One Whale, asserted in a press statement, “There is no question that this kind, gentle animal was senselessly murdered.” 

Hvaldimir was first found by fishermen in 2019 near Risavika. A harness with space for a small camera was attached to him, reading “Equipment of St. Petersburg” in English. The peculiar circumstances of this discovery quickly led to the circulation of rumors about Hvaldimir’s life and possible affiliation with Russian espionage efforts. He was eventually given the name Hvaldimir: a combination of the “Hval,” or “whale” in Norwegian, and Vladimir, a reference to Russian Pres Vladimir Putin. 

The use of marine animals in military training is not a new practice. Russia has used trained dolphins to guard the Crimean peninsula because of their speed, intelligence and ability to perform echolocation. Sea mammals have also been trained for military purposes by the U.S., notably during the Cold War. However, evidence supporting Hvaldimir’s spy status is scarce. In an interview with Reuters, retired Russian Col. Viktor Barents said he was informed that Russia was “using beluga whales for tasks of civil information gathering, rather than military tasks.” 

Hvaldimir was known for his friendly personality and intentionally sought out human interaction throughout Norway. According to Marine Mind, Hvaldimir was “very interested in people and responded to hand signals,” suggesting he was held in captivity. He quickly became a beloved figure and gained popularity on the internet through several viral YouTube videos where he is shown playing fetch and retrieving a kayaker’s iPhone. Hvaldimir’s friendly demeanor led to alternative theories of his past, speculating he may have been a therapy animal.

Hvaldimir’s interactions with humans have led to more interest in ocean conservation and whaling in Norway. Ric O’Barry, founder of the Dolphin Project stated many Norwegians “fell in love with this friendly whale, and told us they had stopped eating whale meat because of him.” 

Russia has not responded to any of the theories about Hvaldimir or his untimely death, possibly to avoid further negative press following Russia’s “whale jail” controversy. An autopsy is in progress and is expected to deliver its results regarding the cause of Hvaldimir’s death within three weeks.