Hvaldimir, the Beloved Beluga, Shot to Death in Norway, OneWhale & NOAH Seek Justice

Regina Haug, founder of OneWhale, with Hvaldimir's body.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sandnes, Norway — September 4, 2024 — Today, OneWhale and NOAH, two prominent animal rights organizations, have filed a police report in connection with the tragic death of Hvaldimir, the famous beluga whale known for his friendly demeanor and alleged ties to Russian naval operations. The report has been submitted to the Sandnes Police District and the Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim).

OneWhale, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of Hvaldimir, and NOAH, Norway’s largest animal rights organization, have taken this action based on compelling evidence suggesting that Hvaldimir’s death was caused by intentional human-inflicted injury. Although the official autopsy report is still pending, preliminary findings indicate that the whale was killed by gunshot wounds. Several veterinarians, biologists, and ballistics experts have reviewed photographic evidence, including close-ups of Hvaldimir’s injuries. Their assessments strongly suggest that the whale’s death was the result of a criminal act, prompting the need for immediate police involvement.

“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,” said Siri Martinsen, veterinarian and leader of NOAH.

Regina Haug, founder of OneWhale, expressed her devastation: “I have been with Hvaldimir for the past five years and know him very well. 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. We will pursue justice for Hvaldimir and hope that someone comes forward with information about his killing.”

Hvaldimir had captured the hearts of millions as he swam the coast of Norway. The organizations had been actively working on a professional relocation operation to move him to safer waters in Northern Norway, where he could have joined other belugas. The Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries had granted permits in June, based on expert advice from the Institute of Marine Research. Marine mammal transport expert Keith Yip was leading the efforts to relocate Hvaldimir.

“There were many obstacles that prevented his move from happening sooner, including bureaucratic processes, poorly defined laws, misinformation, and sadly, attempts by other organizations to block his move. Despite this, we were so close to finally getting Hvaldimir to safer waters and giving him a chance at a sustainable future. Our worst fears came true when his young life was cut short. Our hope is that Hvaldimir’s tragedy will be a lesson and never be repeated,” Haug added.

Norwegian Marine Biologist Anna Victoria Pyne Vinje also voiced her concerns: “It is deeply troubling that a red-listed whale, a species of significant ecological and cultural importance to Norwegian wildlife, has been intentionally killed. Equally concerning is the spread of misinformation by those claiming scientific authority, suggesting that this whale may have died from natural causes or that seabirds could inflict such severe wounds within an hour of its death. These assertions lack scientific credibility and risk misleading the public. The integrity of the scientific community and the media relies on accurate and evidence-based communication.”

“It is regrettable that the various dangers from boats, human activity, and fish farms were under-communicated in Norwegian media and by various organizations. Such a fatal incident was always a real danger. Now that the worst has happened, and Hvaldimir has been deprived of the chance for a more natural life, it is our duty to ensure full transparency about what occurred,” concluded Martinsen.

Media Contact: Siri Martinsen
Leader and Veterinarian, NOAH
+47 959 444 99
Siri@dyrsrettigheter.no

Regina Haug
Founder, OneWhale
+47 465 47 422 or +1 949 292 9506
Regina@onewhale.org

Anna Victoria Pyne Vinje
Marine Biologist
+47 962 28 729
Victoria@onewhale.org