A beluga whale named Hvaldimir, who gained international attention due to suspicions that he was a Russian spy, has been found dead off the southwest coast of Norway. The carcass was discovered by a father and son out fishing in Risavika Bay. Hvaldimir, a symbol of hope and connection between humans and the natural world, had been tracked by a nonprofit organization called Marine Mind. The whale, believed to be between 14 and 15 years old, was first spotted in Norway in 2019 with a harness that led to speculation about his origins.
There were theories that Hvaldimir had escaped from a Russian navy training program, although Moscow never confirmed these suspicions. After his death, his remains were retrieved for examination to determine the cause. Marine biologist Sebastian Strand, who had been monitoring Hvaldimir’s movements, expressed deep sadness over the loss.
Despite rumors of being a spy whale, Norwegian media suggested that Hvaldimir may have actually been a “therapy whale” due to his tame nature and interactions with people along the coast. Beluga whales typically have a lifespan of 40 to 60 years in their natural habitat in northern waters. The sudden death of Hvaldimir has left many questions unanswered, and experts are working to understand what led to the demise of this unique and beloved whale.
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