A mystery surrounding the beluga whale that captured global attention with rumors of espionage has finally been resolved. Known as “Hvaldimir,” the 14-foot-long 2,000 pound whale was found dead in August in a southern Norwegian bay.
Animal rights groups quickly claimed that the beluga had been shot. But now, Norwegian police are releasing new information, seeking to tell what really happened.
According to authorities, a final autopsy by Norway’s Veterinary Institute has concluded that the probable cause of death for the whale was actually a bacterial infection. They go on to say that it was likely caused by a wound in the whale’s mouth from a stick that was lodged there.
Officials emphasized there was no evidence to suggest that the whale had been shot. The autopsy was complicated by the fact that many of its organs were heavily decomposed, but both forensic technicians and the institute ruled out gunshot wounds.
Gaining international attention after it was first spotted off Norway’s coast in 2019, the whale was spotted wearing a harness believed to be of Russian origin. This led to speculation that it might have been part of a Russian spy program.
His tame nature and the harness labeled “equipment St. Petersburg,” sparked intrigue, but experts believe his death was purely accidental.
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