'Russian Spy Whale' Reportedly Killed, Say Rights Groups
Hvaldimir, the beluga dubbed the ‘spy whale,’ was discovered deceased along Norway’s southern coast this past weekend. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Hvaldimir, the celebrity beluga, is believed to have been killed, according to claims from two Norwegian animal rights groups.
The whale, which had been previously labeled as a potential Russian spy by Western media, was found deceased in Norway over the weekend. Two organizations, OneWhale and NOAH, announced on Thursday that they had submitted a complaint to Norwegian police, requesting a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the whale’s death. The activists shared images of the dead whale, showing multiple visible gunshot wounds.
“When I saw his body and the multiple injuries, I immediately knew he had been killed by gunshots. I even saw a bullet lodged in his body. There is no question that this kind, gentle animal was senselessly murdered,” stated Regina Haug, founder of OneWhale, an organization focused on Hvaldimir's protection.
The beluga was discovered in Risavika Bay in southern Norway, and experts from the Norwegian Veterinary Institute are currently conducting examinations on the body. Official autopsy results are anticipated to be available "within three weeks."
“The injuries on the whale are alarming and of a nature that cannot rule out a criminal act – it is shocking. Given the suspicion of a criminal act, it is crucial that the police are involved quickly. Hvaldimir was significant to many, and all facts must be brought to light regarding his death,” remarked Siri Martinsen, director of NOAH, Norway's largest animal rights group.
Police have acknowledged receipt of the complaint and will assess whether there are sufficient grounds to pursue an investigation. The Veterinary Institute indicated they would notify the authorities separately should the autopsy reveal “something suspicious.”
However, Marine Mind, another animal rights organization with differing views on how to protect Hvaldimir, has disputed the claims. “We saw markings but it’s too early to say what the cause of death was,” said the group's head, Sebastian Strand, noting that some of the wounds might have been inflicted by sea birds.
Hvaldimir, the now-deceased celebrity beluga whale, was first spotted off the coast of Norway's far-northern Finnmark region in 2019. When discovered, the animal was reportedly wearing a harness labeled 'Equipment St. Petersburg,' which sparked widespread speculation in the media that it was a "Russian spy whale." Others suggested that the beluga might have been a trained “therapy whale.”
The name ‘Hvaldimir’ is a play on the Norwegian word for whale and the name of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The marine mammal was known for its friendly demeanor, often approaching boats and engaging with seafarers.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
The whale, which had been previously labeled as a potential Russian spy by Western media, was found deceased in Norway over the weekend. Two organizations, OneWhale and NOAH, announced on Thursday that they had submitted a complaint to Norwegian police, requesting a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the whale’s death. The activists shared images of the dead whale, showing multiple visible gunshot wounds.
“When I saw his body and the multiple injuries, I immediately knew he had been killed by gunshots. I even saw a bullet lodged in his body. There is no question that this kind, gentle animal was senselessly murdered,” stated Regina Haug, founder of OneWhale, an organization focused on Hvaldimir's protection.
The beluga was discovered in Risavika Bay in southern Norway, and experts from the Norwegian Veterinary Institute are currently conducting examinations on the body. Official autopsy results are anticipated to be available "within three weeks."
“The injuries on the whale are alarming and of a nature that cannot rule out a criminal act – it is shocking. Given the suspicion of a criminal act, it is crucial that the police are involved quickly. Hvaldimir was significant to many, and all facts must be brought to light regarding his death,” remarked Siri Martinsen, director of NOAH, Norway's largest animal rights group.
Police have acknowledged receipt of the complaint and will assess whether there are sufficient grounds to pursue an investigation. The Veterinary Institute indicated they would notify the authorities separately should the autopsy reveal “something suspicious.”
However, Marine Mind, another animal rights organization with differing views on how to protect Hvaldimir, has disputed the claims. “We saw markings but it’s too early to say what the cause of death was,” said the group's head, Sebastian Strand, noting that some of the wounds might have been inflicted by sea birds.
Hvaldimir, the now-deceased celebrity beluga whale, was first spotted off the coast of Norway's far-northern Finnmark region in 2019. When discovered, the animal was reportedly wearing a harness labeled 'Equipment St. Petersburg,' which sparked widespread speculation in the media that it was a "Russian spy whale." Others suggested that the beluga might have been a trained “therapy whale.”
The name ‘Hvaldimir’ is a play on the Norwegian word for whale and the name of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The marine mammal was known for its friendly demeanor, often approaching boats and engaging with seafarers.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
