Beluga whale shot in Norway amid spy allegations

A beluga whale, nicknamed Hvaldimir, was found dead on Norway's south-western coast after gaining notoriety for its unusual harness, which led to suspicions of it being a Russian spy. The whale first appeared in Norway's Finnmark region in 2019, where it was discovered with a harness that had 'Equipment St. Petersburg' printed on it. Animal rights groups, including Noah and One Whale, reported that Hvaldimir had multiple bullet wounds, prompting them to file a complaint with Norwegian police for a criminal investigation. The whale's body was sent for autopsy, with results expected in three weeks. Hvaldimir was relatively young for a beluga, estimated to be between 15 and 20 years old, while belugas can live up to 60 years. The whale had become a local celebrity, often tracked by various organizations. Regina Crosby Haug, head of One Whale, expressed shock at the injuries, indicating they could suggest a criminal act. The director of Marine Mind, Sebastian Strand, noted that while some markings on the whale's body might be from marine birds, the cause of death was still undetermined. The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of marine animals and the potential for criminal acts against them. Norwegian officials previously speculated that Hvaldimir may have escaped from a Russian navy training program, given its familiarity with humans. The lack of an official response from Moscow regarding the whale's status as a potential spy has added to the intrigue surrounding Hvaldimir's story. As investigations proceed, the case highlights the intersection of wildlife, international relations, and animal rights, prompting calls for accountability and protection for marine life in the region.