Hvaldimir, the beluga whale that gained international attention in 2019, was found dead in Norway on August 31, according to a nonprofit organization dedicated to its protection. The whale, which was first spotted off northern Norway with a harness seemingly intended for a camera, became famous as a suspected “spy” whale.
The device attached to Hvaldimir was notable for its design, featuring mounts for GoPro cameras on either side and clips labeled “St. Petersburg.” These details led to speculation that Hvaldimir may have been trained by the Russian Navy. The whale’s name, a blend of the Norwegian word for whale, “hval,” and the name Vladimir, reflects the widespread belief that it was linked to Russian intelligence activities.
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Norwegian officials confirmed that the harness appeared to be specially crafted, reinforcing theories about its origins. The death of Hvaldimir closes a peculiar chapter in the intersection of wildlife and international intrigue.
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