How a Russian Military-Trained Beluga Whale Ended Up in Norway

A long-standing mystery surrounding a harnessed beluga whale discovered off Norway's coast has finally reached its resolution, though with a bittersweet conclusion.

The whale, which captured international attention when it appeared wearing a harness marked "Equipment St Petersburg," has been identified as a former military asset—not as the suspected spy, but as an escaped guard animal from a Russian naval facility. Dr. Olga Shpak, a prominent marine mammal researcher, has shed new light on the whale's origins, revealing a fascinating journey that began in Russia's Far East. The beluga, known in Russian circles as Andruha and later christened Hvaldimir by Norwegian locals, was initially captured in 2013.

After a period at a St. Petersburg dolphinarium, the whale was transferred to a military installation within the Arctic Circle, where it was trained to serve as a sentinel for a naval base. The whale's unusual tale took a turn when it managed to escape during open-water training exercises. Its subsequent appearance near Norway's northern coast drew immediate attention, particularly when fisherman Joar Hesten encountered the surprisingly sociable creature and assisted in removing its mysterious harness. The beluga's remarkably tame behaviour and extended stay in the port of Hammerfest only added to the intrigue surrounding its origins.

Supporting Dr. Shpak's findings, satellite imagery has revealed the presence of white whale pens near a Russian naval base in Murmansk. According to Thomas Nilsen of The Barents Observer, the proximity of these pens to submarine facilities strongly suggests their role in a maritime security system. Despite these revelations, Russian authorities have maintained their silence regarding any military connection to the whale.

The beluga's remarkable journey along Norway's coastline, which eventually extended into Swedish waters, came to a tragic end on September 1, 2024. Hvaldimir was discovered deceased near Risavika on Norway's southwestern coast. While initial speculation suggested foul play, Norwegian law enforcement dismissed claims of the whale being shot. A subsequent autopsy revealed the cause of death to be complications from a stick lodged in the animal's mouth.