Emily Chan
Two animal rights organizations, OneWhale and NOAH, filed complaints about the creature’s death. They claimed that their examinations showed the whale died from unnatural causes, possibly even gunshot wounds.
“Several veterinarians, biologists, and ballistics experts have reviewed photographic evidence, including close-ups of Hvaldimir’s injuries,” their statement said.
“Their assessments strongly suggest that the whale’s death was the result of a criminal act, prompting the need for police involvement.”
But an autopsy showed that a stick measuring 14 inches in length had been stuck in the whale’s mouth.
Hvaldimir had also sustained some superficial injuries. However, there was no evidence to suggest he had been shot or that his death was linked to human activity. As a result, his death will not be investigated any further.
Hvaldimir has touched thousands of lives over the past few years. He has helped narrow the gap between humans and wild animals. His story highlights the need to protect marine species struggling to survive.
