His love for people might be dangerous
Hvaldimir, a beluga whale that has been frequently seen in Scandinavian waters, was recently spotted off the coast of Sweden, causing concern among researchers who fear for his safety if people do not keep their distance.
This highly sociable whale gained fame in 2019 when he appeared in northern Norway wearing a harness with the inscription “St. Petersburg equipment,” leading some to speculate that he was a Russian spy. However, Hvaldimir’s behavior sets him apart from other whales, as he seems to prefer human interaction over that of other marine mammals, suggesting that he may have been domesticated.
While it is impossible to confirm whether Hvaldimir was indeed a spy whale, no country has claimed ownership of him. Historically, militaries have trained animals for various purposes, such as using dolphins in the Cold War. The harness Hvaldimir wore could have been designed to hold cameras or other tools. Additionally, his interest in divers and collecting objects further adds to the mystery surrounding his background.
Despite the speculation, researchers are cautious about labeling Hvaldimir as a spy. They simply do not have enough information to make a definitive determination. What is evident, however, is that Hvaldimir appears to be lost and swimming in the wrong direction. This is cause for concern since belugas are typically found in the Arctic, and his southward journey raises worries about his access to food and potential dangers in warmer waters, which become busier with people during the summer. Hvaldimir has previously been injured by collisions with boats and propellers.
The case also brings to mind the unfortunate fate of Freya, a walrus that was killed by Norwegian authorities last summer due to perceived risks to onlookers. While Freya enjoyed lounging on decks and causing damage, Hvaldimir behaves differently, remaining underwater and out of sight.
So far, Swedish and Norwegian officials have not announced any plans to intervene or guide Hvaldimir back to the Arctic. Concerns about his well-being, particularly regarding his food supply, continue to grow. It remains unclear why Hvaldimir is moving south, as his behavior cannot be easily interpreted. It is possible that he is searching for a mate as a young male or seeking more abundant food sources.
The dilemma arises from the uncertainty surrounding Hvaldimir’s future. Sending him to live with other beluga whales in the Arctic poses risks, as he is not accustomed to the wild. While other belugas might welcome him due to their social nature, the Arctic environment also poses threats from predators like orcas. Therefore, caution is necessary to prevent sending Hvaldimir into a situation where he may become an easy target.
Beluga whales are a protected species with a global population of about 150,000, and they do not consider humans as their prey. However, given Hvaldimir’s estimated size of 14 feet in length and weighing approximately 3,000 pounds, he could pose a danger to humans due to his sheer size.
To ensure Hvaldimir’s well-being, it is crucial to respect his space and avoid any invasion. While he may be potentially dangerous if provoked, it is essential to remember that a confrontation could lead to a tragic outcome. The situation remains complex and challenging, with no easy solutions at hand.
