A Tale of a Whale - Hvaldimir's Journey in Norway

Hello Everyone!
We are honored to share with all of you our historical documentary about Hvaldimir!
We have been developing this project during the past two years that we have been monitoring Hvaldimir. Through our efforts to document his body condition and behavior, we have ended up with many videos, photos, and stories to share of this special whale as he continues to adapt to life in the wild.
In an effort to further assist with his care and protection, I decided to use these images to create an educational message for all of those who have the unique opportunity to encounter Hvaldimir in the waters of Norway and for those who simply wish to follow his journey.
International experts share their knowledge and opinions about this case to seek to better understand his remarkable story.
- Dr. Eve Jourdain - Norwegian Orca Survey
- Lindsay Rubincam - Marine Mammal Welfare Consultant
- Valeria Vergara, PhD - Raincoast Conservation Foundation
- Catherine Kinsman - Whale Stewardship Project
- Dr. Toni Frohoff - Whale Stewardship Project
- Liz Sandeman - Marine Connection
- Suzanne D. Steinert - Beluga Whale Alliance
- Tania M. Pawlowsky - European Association of Aquatic Mammals Veterinary Committee Chairperson
The primary purpose of this documentary is education and our hope to inspire greater respect and appreciation to aid in Hvaldimir's survival.
So, grab a cup of tea, connect your TV to your computer and enjoy “A Tale of a Whale - Hvaldimir`s Journey in Norway.”
You are welcome to visit our website, orcachannel.com/
Where you can find more documentaries about Norwegian Killer whales and Humpback whales
#Hvaldimir #beluga #belugawhale #hvaldi #hvithval #kvitkval

[@teemoonduty4920]

He is the love of my life, I love him so damn much I praying for him everyday Hopefully he will have a good life

[@segunonanuga]

Thank you so much for taking care of Hvaldmir... I wish him the best in his endeavors.

[@yingying488]

I feel sorry to see Hvaldmir hurt..it must be very lonely being alone without a family. I want to see it go out into the wider world..not have to swim along boats or come close to people..want to meet its mate and safe..When I see Belugas or Orca performing in various places, I feel very sad and hurt..So much love you Hvaldmir.❤❤❤❤

[@brendacampbell7797]

I hope he is thriving and enjoying the big wide ocean world of his. I hope he finds his mate! Sending him all my love and strength and well wishes always 🐬🐋🐳❤🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫵❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@lightscameratamara9120]

But it is reeeeeally incredible that he was able to become more independent and survive in the wild so far, fingers crossed his closeness to humans will not harm him in the future. So far this is a success story, kudos to everybody involved, good job!

[@lisamiller4312]

I hope the spirits of the universe keep watch over Hvaldimir and keep him safe. I wish him a long, good life. Hes beautiful. Thank you for this documentary.

[@sad_ellie_pr]

Beluga whales are the most beautiful creatures in the world wide oceans for me! And social and intelligent! Love them so much and hope they'll be protected evr where they may be! 😍🙏💜

[@black.moon_tea]

He's so precious ❤️❤️❤️ I hope for all the protection and love that he deserves ❤️

[@jlmc8925]

Fantastic & thank you all for educating and keeping him safe. Let's hope all the captivity mammals can one day live free like him ❤

[@Cheere]

So lovely, nice love to him. Help, take care and save him

[@pinprapareith3468]

My heart goes out to him. May he continue his progress and be happier by the day. Much love to him.

[@user-ip2zh8gz7d]

Thank you so much for sharing this educational video. I have always been fascinated by Beluga and I really hope that this video can be shared and learn to ensure the longevity of its well-beings.

[@orcachannel2020]

Thank you for your kind words. And we are happy that you like it. Please, spread the word about Hvaldimir and share the documentary. Awareness is important.

[@axiiu]

what a beautiful creature, i loved this story, thanks for putting it all together. I wish the best for Hvaldimir in his journeys =)

[@edenrein2938]

Thank you for producing this very educational and informative documentary! About a week ago, I came across a video of Juno, the Beluga Whale at Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut and I began watching more and more Beluga whale videos. Then just yesterday I came across this documentary. I am so grateful that the Orca Channel produced this documentary to educate the people not only in Norway but also all over the world. I hope Hvaldimir is doing well since it has been two years since this documentary and I hope that someone or an organization will continue to protect and watch over him. 💓💖💗💞💕🤗

[@msb7113]

Valdimir now is our brother. Is wonderfull.....Protect him.....

[@IndigenousArtst]

I just saw an article about him losing his teeth because people are feeding him planks!?? Isn't there a way to stop people from doing something like that? There are two Belugas (siblings) in Iceland at a Beluga whale sanctuary. They had been rescued from a sealife park in China after having been imprisoned there for 10 years. They are doing so well there after three. years in that sanctuary. Maybe Hvaldimir could be sent there to be with Little White and Little Gray so he'd be able to be with other Belugas? It's really so sad that he is all alone with no other Beluga whales for him to socialize with.

[@agneskempis-cruz7981]

Thank you for educating the public, and it's such a magical experience watching you touch and kiss Hvaldimir, but more importantly to keep him healthy and safe.. ❤.. (i was amused how you were able to identify overtime, and scoop the poop😊, amazing guys👍❤️)

[@rhyacinthlevrini6577]

Such a beautiful Sentient Being! Are there any more current updates on his health and location?

[@CorinneWoods]

There are a pair of baluga whales in a seaside sanctuary in Iceland. I just saw a documentary on them! Their names are little grey and little white and they lived in a aquarium for most of their lives but they have been freed to a beautiful seaside sanctuary. Iceland isn’t too far from Norway is it? Who knows maybe hvladimir will swim over one day and they can become friends. 😉💕 please leave a part 2 to his story or post updates from time to time!

[@pommiebears]

Wouldn’t that be awesome? I’d love Hvladimir to have a pod, even if it’s only a trio. I think he believes the boats are his companions, and trusts them to sleep under. That makes my heart ache.

[@lilyloves6735]

loool it’s nearly 1000 miles so not exactly close 🤣

[@PublikProwokator]

Very good documentary movie! Hvaldimiro is a lonley soul badass

[@babaib3513]

Blessed are u and blessed that beautiful beluga .salaam to all who take care of this the most beautiful and enchanting specie of the whale dolphin family.

[@brettperry3737]

If he truly came from captivity, then so much for SeaWorld's claim that their animals couldn't possibly learn to survive in the wild. A wild animal that gravitates towards people certainly isn't ideal, but it's a hell of a lot better than spending his life in a fish tank.

[@erikm8372]

Yes and its almost like he’s an ambassador for his species, but not a captive one, lol. He can educate the public, and so can the volunteers such as these filmmakers 😇 And who knows if he was bred in captivity, or was wild before… they’re so intelligent, I don’t doubt their ability to figure out how to survive, while still socially craving human interaction. Other wild-caught or rehabilitated animals couldn’t do it as well, in my opinion. Of course there are those success stories. However the wild-caught cetaceans often are the most depressed from what I’ve seen. Captive-bred may lack the skills to hunt or survive, unless their keepers are feeding live fish (which could actually be beneficial). SeaWorld does a lot of so-called reward training, positive reinforcement, etc., with fish as a reward. Dead fish. Thrown into their mouths, so no wonder they say their animals can’t survive.

[@vicestrada3937]

Keep up the good work....angels on earth❣Thank you for the LOVE and CARE❣🙏✌🌻🤓

Greetings and salutations from Colombia. Hvaldimir is just amazing.

[@cyprescrow]

Little sweet Hvaldimir. What a treat it would be to see him in a fjord somewhere. Most people are probably very caring and want what's best for him. The problem are boats and ships, and the few ignorant people who lack the brains to respect other living beings. Over all I think he will do just fine, whether or not he chooses to hang with humans or live a full time Whale life.

[@headcrab4090]

Great documentary. I learned a lot from watching it.

[@hallyuaddict]

I like the fact that Valdi is living his single life to the full! I'm praying for a safe, safe journey for him. but please, please don't head south 🙏

[@ellenpeel2346]

Thankyou For helping the beluga whale. He's very cute

[@ericlakota1847]

God bless theas people the prove you can rehabilitate captive whales and they are plenty smart enough

[@pam510]

I just finished watching this Amazing story about Hvaldimir I really LOVED it thank you! For Sharing it I Wish all the Best For Hvaldimir where ever he my go. 🐳 I’m Following on Instagram I Hope he Lives a Long and HappyLife!

[@nicolekim5280]

What a great report!?! Thank you so much for sharing this story!

[@marismith9107]

I wonder if there is a way to introduce him to a pod?

[@stschneg71]

thanks for the great insight! Appreciated every minute of this great documentary. All the best wishes to Hvaldimir, too :)

[@GoldfishMummy]

Thanks for making this documentary; it's been helpful. Having watched several KZbin channels on Hvaldimir, my interest and curiosity were peaked, and then yours was inevitable to watch, even though it was long, I didnt skip any parts; it is a tremendously helpful video that I wish and hope many, many more would watch, learn and understand about Hvaldimir's journey and cetaceans in general, espcially when we encounter solo ones in the wild.

[@chrismiller2335]

i am so in love with this whale !😊😂❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Thomas-xo9hr]

Very interesting story of this beluga whale. Seems like some people have a lot to learn from this friendly whale...

As hard as it sounds we should JUST LET HVALDIMIR BE. It's sad it's habits prevent him to have a pod of companions, which I'm sure we all think he should have. I wish him the best. If you love him just let him be. :)

[@orcachannel2020]

Your words are very important. Sadly, there are people who don't respect Hvaldimir and treat him if he was their personal toy-whale.

E is not a toy >: well said!@@orcachannel2020:D

[@Pp4Gd]

Thank you for sharing and teaching about Hvaldmir. What an amazing and beautiful creature that we share our world with! We were blessed to have HAD that moment in time when another creature was so gentle with us. May he now be left in peace.

[@LychaonGaming]

I live in Norway but I never got to meet him 😢 he died a few days ago

[@majesticwhaleencounters8605]

Amazing work Krisztina! Loved watching this and will share on all my platforms, thank you!

[@rifanwidhiarga1866]

Greetings from Indonesia, you Guys so Amazing. Keep hvaldimir safe 😊😊

[@redbullbundy]

What a magnificent animal. Thank you guys for taking care of him. You are true hero’s.

[@shibbytraveler]

I miss him, pure magic!

[@beatzrhymesofficial]

He is amazing and has a cool name.

[@Kikifriedmann]

I looooove Belugas sooooo much! Very gentle Souls! ❤❤❤

[@pommiebears]

The boats are his companions. Omg…my heart ❤️

[@cyndidavis2562]

This wisdom is beautiful and so incredibly powerful! Thank you.

[@fyb5653]

🌊🐋much Love and a long safe Life for this amazing beautiful creature🙌♥

[@pommiebears]

I’m very sad he doesn’t have a family pod. He’s absolutely gorgeous.

[@talv7624]

I stumbled upon a tiktok of him, and thankfully there were some knowledgeable people in the comments sharing information about him. Hence why it made me really curious and beyond thankful when I found this film. It is amazing and really admirable what you are doing! Sending only love to you and Hvladimir!🤍

[@orcachannel2020]

Thank you TALV. We are glad you like it.

[@inkedskindeep9941]

when he bumped her arm ❤❤❤. I let out this "aaaawes!" belugas are absolutely amazing animals.

[@garybrindle6715]

Thanks, a reminder of how to behave with wild animals..be observant and never make them feel trapped.

[@tracigermano]

Unfortunately there's a very evil people out there I'm pretty sure somebody purposely injured that poor beluga It happens a lot to dolphins people enjoy torturing them One situation that is actually on KZbin some jerk was pouring beer and putting out cigarettes in a dolphin's blowhole Tormenting it and seriously hurting it finally it got angry because this wasn't the first time human beings were torturing the The poor thing Lost its temper and ended up killing the man the dolphin got so angry it hit him with all of it might and broke his ribs and internal bleeding and he died People don't want to believe there are such evil despicable people out there who enjoy causing great suffering and pain to such loving kind animals BUT THERE IS .....look at all the serial killers out there I'm sure somebody hurt that BELUGA on purpose a lot of people ENJOY inflicting pain on others😢 And that's an undeniable fact Especially if some ignorant Person who owns about has no idea about this Baluga whale and it scares him maybe hes in a small fishing boat and doesn't know and injures it because he thinks it's trying to attack I wouldn't be surprised if someone tried to purposely run him over with their boat I pray and I hope they find a way to keep this poor thing safe

[@Doktracy]

Can we get him some companions? Maybe he’s chewing due to loneliness.

[@carlovics]

Köszönöm a filmet Krisztina. Nekem ez a videó olyan volt, mint a régi magyar filmesek természetfilmjei azzal, hogy a beluga Hvaldimir végleg egy kuriózum. Remélem, hogy tudsz majd róla további videót készíteni, s ehhez jó szerencsét, és sikert kívánok.

[@carlosmarcossaiz6659]

On the harness there was a label on which it was written: Saint Petersburg, I suppose written in English. It is more likely that it comes from Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA, where there are several Aquariums and some of them have Belugas. En el arnes habia una etiqueta en la que estaba escrito: San Petersburgo, supongo que escrito en Ingles. Es mas probable que provenga de San Petersburgo, Florida, USA, donde hay varios Acuarios y en alguno de ellos tienen Belugas.

[@1tunaep2]

Being He came from captivity in the first place, seems like the only help he needed was the fisherman who took off the harness. Not sure what you guys have accomplished., but good job I guess.

[@ivedash2906]

Wish him all the best fish ❤️

[@romanacrabbe1906]

what fantastic animals, I love them

[@madamxnoirmore7824]

Beautiful❣️

[@wanking9040]

Amazing. Thanks for making this

[@humanman5913]

how to tell a whale that its safer to not go more south ? 😕 it will be a difficult and costly operation to monitor him in Trondheim, There are dangerous people where ever there are people

[@pynn1000]

I've come to this video from a newspaper article, paused it to look up if Beluga males are social (I know zilch), found out they were, and then the video gave me the answer anyway. I'll keep watching to see if my other questions come up. (Longevity? Range? Stresses?)

[@christinemaccalum350]

Beautiful story ❤❤

[@brendacampbell7797]

Amazing❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🐳🐳🐬Vladimir Rocks❣️💕💕

[@user-ns6uf4rc2i]

Incredible story. I hope Hvaldimir doesn’t end up like Luna. Thanks for sharing this video. Take good care of Hvaldimir!

[@FarmerFpv]

He passed away a few days ago. They found him floating and deceased in the bay.

[@user-ns6uf4rc2i]

@@FarmerFpv OMG!!! I hope he didn’t suffer. Thank you for telling me about him. Hard to hold back tears for him. 🥹

[@sujin012]

We need to know more about that other whale who has lived in the fishing bay for 20 years!!

[@angelatester2471]

I wonder if he is lonely? ......... will he welcome the company of other belugas? Hope he finds what he needs.

[@mags0213]

He has been swimming down south and still has not come across other beluga whales?

[@orcachannel2020]

Actually the Arctic North is his natural environment. So by swimming south takes him further away from other belugas...

[@mags0213]

@@orcachannel2020 Odd that he hasn't encountered others of his kind (I was watching another documentary of a baby calf sending out calls where adults would arrive to check on her). All the best for this boisterous boy & big thanks to all the experts for their continuous hard work.

[@orcachannel2020]

@@mags0213 He must have encountered other species on his way, such as harbour porpoises, orcas, humpback whales, pilot whales. But he hadn't buddy up with any of them. Probably, he is the only one who knows why.

[@nmunich8694]

Great work and great movie. I hope the whaling is still forbidden in Norway?

[@orcachannel2020]

Thanks a lot. We are glad you liked it. Unfortunately, hunting for minke whale is still allowed. :(

[@erikm8372]

Belugas are likely too small to really offer a commercial whaling benefit, especially just one. But what do I know? Ha… And imagine, even if it WERE legal to hunt belugas in Norway… the public criticism and outrage that would follow, if someone or some entity decided to hunt and kill him. Really, what would one small white whale bring them, other than infamy and scorn? Just my thoughts, lol.

[@gabriellanagy6901]

❤❤❤❤❤😊 imádom!!!!

[@ocelots4627]

That beluga is a soldier as well it’s not your average whale, the question be how did it grew up the wild or in captivity 🤔?.

[@orcachannel2020]

That's a good question. I don't think we are ever going to know the answer.

[@mariamieling7400]

❤❤Gracias

[@ackshually404]

RIP

[@austingode]

Please help Him find a pod …………

[@samuelramirez3741]

There was a video on how they released this Beluga Whale. They didn't name him Hvaldimir though.

[@orcachannel2020]

Where did you see that video? Can you share a link, please?

[@pynn1000]

@@orcachannel2020 KZbin does not allow us to post links to non-youtube videos, but the British Guardian newspaper has some older videos available online. The dates are 30 April, 2 and 10 May 2019. (For whales in general WAPO is usually good, but not on this story.)

[@leasebergfladstad167]

Hvaldmir the beluga whale reminds me of and is a lonely wild whale like Luna the wild orca.

[@user-kc7tq5ey8w]

Very sweet

[@auhiem]

Wish him safe...

[@orcachannel2020]

Hi everyone, You can read the lastest update on Hvaldimir here: m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02BWHpatJ34VuHPoe87JSqWbi28EG1ka3xt5Yamov2hTfZhNVJ9DFGZFWwcCcszoJzl&id=100063756543592

[@wellingtoncaldas9080]

Oi tudo bém , mim chamo Wellington souza e quero que saibam que adoro os animais marinhos , na verdade os amo , abraços !❤❤

[@nicolaifr4905]

Rip😢

[@susannewatson1219]

I wish you just send Hvaldimir back to his family or just back to the wild. Please look out for him.👄👄👄🫶🙏❤❤❤✌️

[@lennarthagen3638]

Like we looked out for Freya?

[@susannewatson1219]

@Lennart Hagen l didn't watch the whole video. Therefore, I misunderstood what your mission was.I watch your video throughout and I should congratulate you on your efforts as you put your life,heart, and soul into saving and educating yourself and the public about Hvaldimir.I do have alot of respect for people like yourself and others who care about the Orcas,whale's and dolphins in the wild,where they should be living!!! 💞🫵👍🌏🐳🐋🐬💦❤️🩵✌️

[@George-f5h]

Incredible

[@silverr_moons]

❤️❤️❤️🙏🐳

[@nick1234567891231]

Beluga would be better staying away from people

[@lccsd2392]

i hope this gets many views

[@ericlakota1847]

Their was another beluga a female who that bird guy showed on a episode that one day disappeared I wonder if he was the same whale so good

[@user-nw5ml7lr2b]

They talk !!! U can say it lady!!!! We have recently proven that crows talk!!!

[@fredrikh9299]

How symbolic! Soldier in Russia, freedom and food in west.

[@annkennedy7935]

That would be me.😎🦈🐬🐘🙏

[@___Anakin.Skywalker]

What happened to wladimirs teeth? Maybe some people were giving him candies

[@annkennedy7935]

Apparently you were serious when you called Ron and GZ.💯🐬🙏🐾🇺🇸

[@annkennedy7935]

💯🚔🇺🇸🐘😇

[@yingying488]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@SconHeadVideos]

I would love to meet Hvaldimir! Is it ok for the public to say hello to him? Thank you :)

[@orcachannel2020]

Hi Connor. There are no legislations which forbid meeting Hvaldimir. We don't have the authority to say what is okay and what is not okay. But in our opinion too much human contact can be harmful for him on a long term.

[@SconHeadVideos]

@@orcachannel2020 May I ask why too much human contact is not good for Hvladimir in the long term? I am very curious Thanks

[@orcachannel2020]

@@SconHeadVideos well, I as said it is our opinion. And the question is how people want Hvaldimir to live his life. We think that the best would be if he could join a wild beluga pod or buddy up with other wild whales. But if he is contacted with people on a daily basis and petted constantly this will never happen. Because he will become "domesticated" and fully dependent on humans. If you watched the documentary you saw that he learnt how to catch food and feed himself. It was a big step forward. If you have time read this: orcachannel.com/hvaldimir/hvaldimir-update-august-2022/

[@xsatsuki98x]

How is Hvaldimir now?

[@davewarrender2056]

No surprise , dolphins and orca do the same

[@christinemaccalum350]

Where does Belugsa whale original from . Is it always looking like that or just birth effect ❤❤

[@annkennedy7935]

You follow Michael Jaco? Intuitive Warrior, 💯👍🙏🦈🐬🐾.

[@vicestrada3937]

❤

[@thiphan264]

Beluga wal can be eaten by sharks, Orca or killer wal, or bear..