The Norwegian Veterinary Institute has release its post-mortem results into the death of the famous Hvaldimir, the “Russian Spy” beluga whale. Photo: Ree Wiig/Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries
The results of the post-mortem examination of Hvaldimir, the famous beluga whale, have been released. Hvaldimir was found dead off the coast of Stavanger on 31 August 2024, sparking widespread public interest.
The autopsy, conducted by the Veterinary Institute in Sandnes on behalf of the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries, has ruled out initial suspicions that the whale was shot.
Reports of wounds on Hvaldimir had led to concerns that the whale might have been killed by gunfire, prompting a police investigation. However, the case was later dropped by authorities due to a lack of evidence. Given the public’s interest in the matter, the Veterinary Institute, in consultation with the police and the Directorate of Fisheries, decided to release the findings of the post-mortem.
Amund Preede Revheim, head of the North Sea and Environment section of the South-West Police District, confirmed in a press statement:
“The post-mortem examination was complicated by significant decomposition of the whale’s organs. Nevertheless, the report concludes that the most likely cause of death was a bacterial infection, possibly stemming from wounds in the whale’s mouth caused by a stick lodged there. This could have hampered Hvaldimir’s ability to feed, increasing the risk of infection. Importantly, there were no findings to suggest that the whale was shot.”
The report further noted that while the skin wounds described were not fatal, the stick in Hvaldimir’s mouth likely caused “significant pain and discomfort,” making it difficult for him to eat. The infection, which may have entered through the wound, could have led to sepsis (blood poisoning) or toxin-related complications, ultimately resulting in the whale’s death.
The whale’s skeleton has been donated to the University of Agder’s Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden.
Who Was Hvaldimir?
Hvaldimir was a male beluga whale first discovered in 2019 near Norway’s northern coast. Notably, he was wearing a harness, which led to widespread speculation that he had been trained by the Russian military, though these claims were never officially confirmed. The whale quickly gained international attention and became somewhat of a local celebrity. Over the years, Hvaldimir frequented Norwegian waters, where he regularly interacted with people and boats.
His friendly demeanour, combined with his mysterious background, made him a beloved figure in Norway. However, concerns were raised about his well-being, as Hvaldimir often displayed signs of injury and malnourishment. His tragic death in 2024 brought an end to a story that had captivated people worldwide, raising further questions about human intervention in marine wildlife.
The release of the autopsy results closes one chapter in the story of Hvaldimir, confirming that despite public fears, the whale was not the victim of deliberate harm.