Hvaldimir's Story

Hvaldimir, as named by Norwegian locals, is a young male beluga whale who arrived in Norway wearing a harness in April of 2019. Upon his arrival, it was clear he was a trained whale and pursued interactions with humans. Hvaldi has spent the majority of his time at busy industrial salmon farms, which poses a workplace hazard and environmental liability for the salmon industry. Additionally, there has been a dramatic increase in unregulated tourism targeted at Hvaldi, which is often dangerous. He has been injured by boat propellers, sharp objects, and fishing hooks.

A Whale in Danger

   Hvaldimir is technically a "free" whale. He hunts fish and eats on his own. He is no longer dependant on humans and has done an amazing job at surviving on his own. However, Hvaldi is not safe. 

   Unfortunately, he is still in danger due to his surroundings. He is lonely. He has no other whales for company. Belugas are very social animals, rarely found on their own, so he seeks the company of people. This poses a threat not only to Hvaldi but also to those people who try to swim and interact with him. 

   In the summer of 2021 he was critically injured, resulting in a serious wound possibly by a boat propellor or fishing equipment.

His life is in serious jeopardy if this situation is ignored.

Experts are assessing the best solution for Hvaldimir and Norway. One solution for his immediate safety and protection is to relocate him into his own safe fjord, and create protected nature reserve around the world's most famous beluga whale. A protected reserve will allow Hvaldimir to have protection from tourists, and allow him to live his life in the most natural way possible. Our goal is to offer this extraordinary place as a refuge for other whales who have been rescued from concrete tanks. Our goal is that Hvaldimir will joined by more of his kind, and potentially released into a wild habitat.