Beluga Whale's Military Past Unveiled in New Documentary

Hvaldimir, once thought to be a Russian spy, was trained as a guard whale before escaping to Norway.

Hvaldimir, a beluga whale first spotted in Norway in 2019, was initially suspected to be a Russian spy due to his harness marked 'Equipment St Petersburg.'
Marine biologist Dr. Olga Shpak asserts that Hvaldimir, real name Andruha, was trained by the Russian military to guard naval bases, not for espionage.
Despite Russia's silence on the matter, experts believe the whale fled his military duties due to his playful nature, described as a 'hooligan.'
Hvaldimir's death in September 2024 was attributed to a stick lodged in his mouth, contrary to initial suspicions of foul play.
The whale's story is featured in the BBC documentary 'Secrets of the Spy Whale,' which explores his journey and the mystery surrounding his origins.