The story continues: «Hvaldimir» has been living in the harbour of Hammerfest, Norway since the beginning of May. He was first spotted near the island «Ingøya», where a local fisherman freed him from the harness he was wearing at that time.
At first he was thought to be a Russian spy whale, because the harness had «St. Petersburg» printed on it. «Therapy whale» was also one of the suggestions, but none of this have been confirmed.
Then he moved on to the neighbour island «Rolvsøya» where the locals fell in love with him. No Wonder, because he is easy to fall in love with.
Later on he followed a sail boat that was heading for Hammerfest, and he has remained here since. Now he is taken care of by the non profit organization «Norwegian Orca Survey» (https://www.facebook.com/norwegianorcasurvey/) that have been present in Hammerfest since may 1st. They are doing an incredible job and work 24-7 pro bono.
To support their work I started a fundraiser on Facebook. All the money from the fundraiser goes directly to this organization and their efforts to keep Hvaldimir by good health, feed him and plan for his future. He will eventually have to be moved, because the harbour of Hammerfest is polluted and full of boats, cruise ships and tankers.
The Norwegian Orca Survey receives grants from the municipality, which goes to housing expenses and equipment for the whale. In addition, they have received a freezer from the harbour in Hammerfest and herring from Tromsø bait supply.
In order for their work to remain voluntary, the organization is dependent on donations and goodwill. So far I have managed to raise about 50 000 NOK (6000 $).
But he needs more funding. Feeding and keeping a whale in good health is expensive. Every donation counts!
Here are some pictures of our lovely Hvaldimir, and also a link to the fundraiser : https://www.facebook.com/donate/473640953371027/?fundraiser_source=external_url
It is also possible to to donate through their website: https://www.norwegianorcasurvey.no/
Or maybe you can start your own fundraiser on Facebook? :-)
The story of Hvaldimir is hopefully a story with a happy ending!
More info: Facebook
Hvaldimir with the harness he was wearing in the beginning
Hvaldimir and his friend Linn at Tufjord, Rolvsøya. Photo: Linn Sæther
From the «Norwegian Orca Survey» Facebook page
Hvaldimir now lives in the harbour of Hammerfest, Norway
Hammerfest Harbour, Norway
Several signs have been put up by Hammerfest municipality with some basic safety precautions for the visitors in the harbour.
He is fed and taken care of by the «Norwegian Orca Survey»
He is fed three times a day with a total of approximately 20 kilos of fish
One of the volunteers interacting with the Beluga
Lucky me got to say hello :-) Photo: Eve Jourdain
Hopefully they will find a permanent solution for Hvaldimir, and this story will have a happy ending
