The story of global espionage reached a tragic climax this weekend when a whale long suspected of being a Russian spy was found dead in Norway. Now, those close to the whale say that this unfortunate sea urchin may have been killed.
The body of Hvaldimir the beluga was found floating in the Norwegian town of Risavika on Saturday. An animal rights organization called OneWhale is seeking justice for this dead sea creature. OneWhale was originally created for the sole purpose of protecting Hvaldimir, and the organization seems to think that his death was no accident. Indeed, OneWhale said Hvaldimir was “murdered” and even contacted NOAH, Norway’s largest animal rights organization, to file a police report with the Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime.
In a press release shared with Gizmodo, OneWhale said it felt there was “overwhelming evidence that Hvaldimir’s death was the result of intentional human injury.”
“Although the official autopsy report is pending, preliminary findings indicate that the whale died from gunshot wounds,” the press release read. “Several veterinarians, biologists, and football experts have reviewed photographic evidence, including close-ups of Hvaldimir’s injuries. Their investigation strongly suggests that the whale’s death was the result of a criminal act, necessitating the immediate involvement of the police.”
Key members of OneWhale have been even clearer about their views on foul play. “I have been with Hvaldimir for the past five years and know him well,” said Regina Haug, founder of OneWhale, in a statement. “When I saw his body and the many wounds, I immediately knew that he was killed by a gunshot. I even saw a bullet enter his body.”
“There is no doubt that this kind and gentle animal was killed senselessly,” said Haug. “We will fight for justice for Hvaldimir and we hope that someone will come forward with information about his murder.”
“Whale injuries are scary and it’s a nature that can’t bring out a criminal act – it’s shocking,” said Siri Martinsen, a veterinarian and leader of NOAH. “Due to the suspicion of a criminal act, it is important that the police intervene immediately. Hvaldimir was important to many, and all the truth must be revealed about his death.”
Hvaldimir was first spotted by Norwegian fishermen in 2019. Upon closer inspection, observers discovered that the whale had a strong band with the words “Missions of St. Petersburg” (it would seem that, if it was spy, he wasn’t really a “deep cover agent”). He quickly became a minor celebrity, and was known for being friendly and charming. Some have suggested that he may have been working for the Russian intelligence service, which is known to use aquatic animals for various purposes.
Although governments have a history of using animals as spies, they are not always the best spies. Russia has never admitted that Hvaldimir was part of their naval intelligence unit. While it seems ridiculously stupid that the Kremlin would care enough to kill a poor mammal, marine animals are clearly abused by humans, so the idea that Hvaldimir was killed on purpose doesn’t seem far-fetched. the question.
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