Hvaldimir autopsy reveals startling new clues but no definite answers
The mystery surrounding the sudden death of Hvaldimir, the “spy whale”, continues to deepen. The famous beluga whale, found dead in waters off the coast of Rogaland, Norway, on August 31, had sparked speculation that foul play might have been involved.
However, the preliminary autopsy results have introduced a new layer of intrigue, ruling out some suspicions while raising fresh questions about the whale’s final days.
No Gunshot Wounds, But…
Contrary to earlier theories that Hvaldimir may have been deliberately shot, Norwegian police confirmed on Monday that there is no evidence to suggest this. Amund Preede Revheim, head of the North Sea and Environment Section at the South-West Police District’s Joint Intelligence and Investigation Unit, shared the latest findings.
“We have now received the report of preliminary examinations from the Veterinary Institute, and there are no findings from the autopsy that suggest Hvaldimir was shot,” Revheim stated.
This revelation quashes the most dramatic theories swirling around Hvaldimir’s death, but it leaves open the question of what ultimately led to his demise.
Visible Wounds, But Not Fatal
The autopsy revealed that Hvaldimir did have several visible injuries. Photos taken before the autopsy showed superficial wounds on the whale’s skin, and one wound appeared deeper than the others. However, these injuries were not considered life-threatening, and none had damaged any of his vital organs.
“These injuries were entirely superficial. One of the wounds is slightly deeper, but none of these injuries affected vital organs or were of a fatal nature,” police said in a statement.
A Bizarre Find Inside His Mouth
One of the more surprising discoveries was a 35-centimeter-long (13.8 inches) stick lodged inside Hvaldimir’s mouth, which could have caused discomfort or hindered his ability to feed. However, it is still unclear how long the stick had been there and whether it played any role in the whale’s death.
This finding, while odd, did not provide any concrete answers. Instead, it added to the growing list of peculiarities surrounding the case.
An Empty Stomach and Decomposed Organs
Further examinations of Hvaldimir’s body revealed that his stomach was empty at the time of death. In addition, many of his internal organs had already begun to decompose by the time his body was found.
“The autopsy showed that his stomach was empty. In addition, most of his organs were significantly decomposed,” said Revheim.
The condition of his body raised concerns about the whale’s health in his final days, leading to speculation that he may have struggled to find food or had been suffering from illness.
No Direct Evidence of Human Involvement
Despite initial concerns, police are now leaning away from the theory that human interference directly caused Hvaldimir’s death. According to Revheim, “There is nothing in the investigations so far to suggest that human activity directly led to Hvaldimir’s death.”
This statement further distances the case from any potential criminal wrongdoing, but it does not yet offer a conclusive cause for the whale’s death.
A Beloved Whale with a Global Following
Hvaldimir first gained global fame in 2019 when he appeared in Hammerfest, a town in northern Norway, wearing a harness that led many to speculate that he had been trained by the Russian navy, possibly as a “spy whale.” His friendly behavior and close interactions with people and aquaculture sites made him a media sensation and endeared him to both Norwegians and international fans.
Over the years, Hvaldimir traveled along Norway’s coast, making appearances in several towns and aquaculture sites, including Cermaq’s salmon farm in Finnmark, where he delighted workers by swimming near their operations.
What Happens Next?
While the preliminary autopsy has ruled out some possibilities, authorities will continue their investigation. Hvaldimir’s body was sent to the Veterinary Institute for further analysis, and additional tests may be needed to determine a more definitive cause of death.
Police have not ruled out the possibility that environmental factors or natural causes may have played a role, but for now, Hvaldimir’s death remains an open case.
