The beluga whale known as Hvaldimir, previously suspected of being a Russian spy due to a mysterious harness, has been found dead off the southwest coast of Norway at Risavika Bay. The carcass was discovered by a father and son who were out fishing in the area. Hvaldimir, who was considered a beacon of hope and a symbol of the connection between humans and the natural world, was well-known to marine biologists and the public for his friendly interactions with humans along the Norwegian coast.
After his sudden death, Hvaldimir’s remains were taken for examination to determine the cause of his demise. The marine biologist who had been monitoring his movements expressed shock and sadness at the loss of the whale. Speculation that Hvaldimir was a “spy whale” trained by the Russian navy was never confirmed, and it was suggested that he may have been a “therapy whale” due to his tame behavior.
Beluga whales typically live to be 40-60 years old and are primarily found in the northern waters of Greenland, Norway, and Russia. Hvaldimir, who was estimated to be between 14 and 15 years old, had been observed in various Norwegian coastal towns over the past five years. Despite the initial suspicion surrounding him, his interactions with humans were friendly and playful.
The cause of Hvaldimir’s death remains unknown, and further investigation is being conducted by the veterinary institute to determine what may have led to the loss of this beloved whale.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
