'Russian Spy Whale' Hvaldimir Found Dead in Norway: 'He Was Special to So Many'

Mar. 15, 2025

Hvladimir in the sea.Photo:Alamy

Alamy

The white beluga whale suspected of being a Russian “spy whale” has died in Norway.

This discovery led to the belief that the whale was a Russian spy — although the Russian navy denied the claims at the time,explaining in a statementto a Russian broadcaster in 2019, “We have military dolphins for combat roles, we don’t cover that up,” reported BBC News.“If we were using this animal for spying do you really think we’d attach a mobile number with the message ‘please call this number?' ” the Russian Navy reportedly added.

In a post on Instagram on Saturday, Aug. 31, the Marine Mind NGO penned a tribute to Hvaldimer toannounce his death.

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Hvladimir in a picture taken in April 2019.Jorgen Ree Wiig, Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries via AP

Jorgen Ree Wiig, Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries via AP

“In loving memory of Hvaldimir It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Hvaldimir’s passing,” their caption read. “This morning, after receiving a sighting report from a local, our team arrived to find Hvaldimir floating peacefully in the water. It is not immediately clear what caused his death, a necropsy will be conducted to determine his early passing.”

“Over the past five years, he touched the lives of tens of thousands, bringing people together in awe of the wonders of nature,” they continued alongside photos of the whale. “His presence taught us about the importance of ocean conservation, and in doing so, he also taught us more about ourselves.”

The NGO added that, “Hvaldimir bridged the gap between humans and wild animals in a way that few can. He was special to so many, leaving a lasting mark on all who had the privilege to encounter him.”

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Hvladimir in April 2019.Jorgen Ree Wiig, Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries via AP

“Rest in peace, Hvaldimir. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. 🌊💙,” they said before concluding with hashtags, “#Hvaldimir#MarineMind#OceanConservation#BelugaWhale#InMemory.”

In a statement to PEOPLE, the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries said that Hvaldimir was found in the harbor of Stavanger in southwestern Norway. The 14-foot, 2,700-pound whale had reportedly been living in the area since 2023, perNBC News.

source: people.com