The mystery behind the death of a famous Beluga whale has deepened. Named Hvaldimir, the creature was found dead by a father and son out fishing off the Norwegian coast on August 31.
He became famous after 2019 when Norwegian marine biologists removed a manmade harness with a mount suited for an action camera. "Equipment St. Petersburg" was printed on it and this made experts suspect the whale was a spy trained by Russia.
The name Hvaldimir comes from Norwegian word for whale, hval and Vladimir, which happens to be the first name of the Russian president Putin. Its first documented appearance is from five years ago off the coast in Norway’s far-northern Finnmark region.
While the cause of death wasn't determined immediately, animal rights groups are claiming that Hvaldimir was shot to death. Marine biologist Sebastian Strand had reportedly told Norwegian public broadcaster NRK that there were markings on the mammal but nothing can be confirmed yet.
However, the head of One Whale organisation that looked after Hvaldimir, Regina Haug said that he had "multiple bullet injuries." Haug claimed to have seen a bullet lodged in Hvaldimir's body. Another organisation Noah has joined One Whale in its demand for a criminal investigation.
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"The injuries on the whale are alarming and of a nature that cannot rule out a criminal act - it is shocking,” said Siri Martinsen, director of Noah, in a release. The organisation has also filed a police report for the investigation.
While the autopsy report is yet to be prepared, many experts, One Whale claims, have preliminary agreed that the whale was killed by "intentional human-inflicted injury."
The allegedly slain creature is estimated to have been between 15-20 years old. Beluga whales, according to experts, have a lifespan of up to 50-60 years.
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(Image: One Whale)
