The beluga whale named Hvaldimir first appeared in the media in 2019 and has been periodically spotted in Norway since then. On Saturday August 31st, Hvaldimir was found dead off the coast of Rogaland. There were many rumors and speculation about the cause of his death. After an autopsy at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, it was determined that Hvaldimir died due to a 35 cm long stick which got lodged in his mouth, preventing him from eating.
Hvaldimir donated to the Natural History Museum
The Norwegian Veterinary Institute issued the following press release on September 10th, 2024:
"Usually, after autopsies are performed, the remains are disposed of at the Veterinary Institute. In this case, however, the Norwegian Fisheries Directorate decided to donate the remains to a scientific institution. The case has drawn significant public interest, and the Fisheries Directorate recognizes that it is of public interest to preserve the remains for posterity."
We, at the Natural History Museum and Botanical Gardens at the University of Agder, are the scientific institution fortunate enough to receive Hvaldimir's remains.
Hvaldimir donated to the Natural History Museum
The Norwegian Veterinary Institute issued the following press release on September 10th, 2024:
"Usually, after autopsies are performed, the remains are disposed of at the Veterinary Institute. In this case, however, the Norwegian Fisheries Directorate decided to donate the remains to a scientific institution. The case has drawn significant public interest, and the Fisheries Directorate recognizes that it is of public interest to preserve the remains for posterity."
We, at the Natural History Museum and Botanical Gardens at the University of Agder, are the scientific institution fortunate enough to receive Hvaldimir's remains.
Sharing Hvaldimir's Story
As the Fisheries Directorate recognizes, Hvaldimir has generated significant public interest. We are excited to share Hvaldimir's story with the public. We are working with several national and international partners to properly prepare and present Hvaldimir and to make sure it is a fitting tribute to him and the life he lived. It is also important that his story serves society both scientifically, historically, and culturally. Preparing and mounting the skeleton will take time, but we hope to showcase Hvaldimir, and objects related to his story, by 2025.
Help from the People
In this regard, we need help from the public. We would like to receive photos and videos of Hvaldimir along with the date and exact location where they were taken. These will be published in a new system for collecting and storing tracking data (MoMu - Movebank Life History Museum). This tracking database is used for research and will also be used to share Hvaldimir's story. By submitting images or videos, you agree that the material can be used for outreach and scientific purposes.
Please send images and videos to hvaldimir@uia.no
Kontaktperson:
- rasmus.w.havmoller@uia.no
- Phone
- +47 38 14 11 91