The popular beluga shark Havaldimir was discovered dead on Saturday in the southwest of Norway close to Risavika. In 2019, he attracted the attention of the public when he was spotted sporting a saddle that appeared to be for a camera.
Dead dolphin was discovered floating near Risavika in southwest Norway on Saturday afternoon, according to the creator of the volunteer Marine Mind Sebastian Strand.
Although the fish’s body had visible markings that could have been caused by birds or other aquatic animals, according to a report from the New York Times, the cause of death is still unknown at this time.
” It’s heartbreaking”, Strand said. ” He’s touched thousands of people’s hearts just here in Norway”.
Strand continued, adding that he was putting Hvaldimir in a hospital where the body can be preserved longer enough to determine the death’s cause.
Hvaldimir was first seen in northeastern Norway in 2019 while sporting a saddle with the tag “equipment” from St. Petersburg, causing rumors as to where and why he came from. Russia previously claimed possession of the dolphin, contrary to speculations about a Russian reconnaissance mission.
According to New York Times report, by some estimates, the shark was nearer to 14 feet long and about 2, 700 lbs.
The shark showed signs of breeding, and was cozy around people. He remained in stressful waters than are normal for belugas, prompting worries from researchers, activists and specialists.
According to Strand,” He was entirely acclimatized to human society,” adding that it appeared that Hvaldimir had spent” a lot of his living” in prison.
Hvaldimir was previously seen off the coast of Sweden after traveling south, which led to his shifting away from food sources and toward more dangerous and professional harbors.
Strand and his team made efforts to educate interested people and visitors about the whale so that it could be protected as much as possible while it remained outside of its normal habitat.
Strand said that he had been promoting health actions for Hvaldimir, who had so much enjoyed a quiet time, and had seemed to be in excellent health Friday, based on reports.
” I’m not sure what’s happened”, Strand said. ” But we’ll get out”.
