What do we do with it?' -- Norway ponders the fate of that mysterious 'spy whale'
BERGEN, NORWAY -- Is it a Russian spy? Is it a therapy animal? Is it just a runaway SeaWorld mammal finally free to take on the high seas?
These are the theories swirling after a happy-go-lucky Beluga was spotted on Norway's northern coastline in Tufjord over a week ago.
The whale, originally found wearing a harness with "Equipment St. Petersburg" printed on it, as well as a mounted camera, is not believed to be in the region for malign purposes, and has reportedly been spotted swimming up to Norwegian residents.
But Norwegians will now face a difficult decision: Do they foster the Beluga, or do they 'free willy'? (The whale has actually been nicknamed "Hvladimir" by the Scandinavian media).
"The concern is ... what do we do with it? Because it's 'ours' now," said a senior officer with the Royal Norwegian Navy, speaking on background.
Military.com spoke with officials here as part of a trip organized by the Atlantic Council, a Washington D.C.-based think tank. The officer provided remarks on background in order to speak freely on various subjects.
https://taskandpurpose.com/norway-beluga-russian-spy-whale
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