Norwegian police confirm that the alleged Russian ‘spy whale’ was not killed

In a recent announcement, Norwegian police stated that there is no evidence to support the claim made by animal rights groups that a well-known beluga whale found dead in southern Norway last month was shot to death. The beluga, known as “Hvaldimir,” was initially seen in 2019 not far from Russian waters wearing a harness with the words “Equipment St. Petersburg.” It was discovered floating in Risavika Bay on August 31.

Following the discovery, experts examined the whale’s carcass at a nearby harbor after lifting it with a crane. Despite claims from animal advocate groups OneWhale and NOAH that the wounds indicated intentional harm, police reported that a preliminary autopsy conducted by the Norwegian Veterinary Institute did not find evidence of gunshot wounds.

The examination revealed that most of the wounds on the beluga were superficial, with no indication of them being fatal or caused by gunshots. An object, described as a stick measuring about 35 centimeters long and 3 centimeters wide, was found lodged in the whale’s mouth. Additionally, the beluga’s stomach was empty, and its organs were deteriorated.

Preede Revheim, head of the police’s North Sea and environment section in South Western Norway, stated that there is no concrete evidence linking human activity to Hvaldimir’s death based on the investigations conducted so far. The police do not intend to actively pursue the case but plan to release the final autopsy report later this month.

Despite the preliminary findings, OneWhale and NOAH expressed dissatisfaction and urged for the police investigation to continue. They have offered a reward of 50,000 kroner ($4,661) for any information that could prompt a reopening of the case. The beluga, measuring 4.2 meters (14 feet) in length and weighing 1,225 kilograms (2,700 pounds), captured public interest due to its friendly interactions with humans and its mysterious harness that sparked speculations of it being a “spy whale.” It was seen in multiple Norwegian coastal towns after its initial sighting near the Arctic town of Hammerfest. Experts have noted that the Russian navy has a history of training whales for military purposes, leading to further speculation about the beluga’s origins and purpose.