We are deeply saddened by the passing of Hvladimir, the beluga whale who touched the hearts of so many. As the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM), we regret that this tragic outcome could not be prevented, and we believe it underscores the need for a more compassionate approach to the care of marine mammals.
Hvladimir’s behavior strongly suggested that he had previously lived in human care, as seen in his repeated attempts to interact with people.
Animals like Hvladimir, who have formed deep connections with humans, often face significant challenges when returned to the wild, especially when found outside their natural environment.
In such cases, a controlled setting can offer the safety and stability needed to ensure their well-being and minimize the risks they face.
There were numerous occasions when Hvladimir sought out human contact, even after suffering harm.
It is likely that his well-being had been compromised for some time. While we are aware that relocating him to Arctic waters was considered, we believe this outcome serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities involved in such decisions.
The option of moving him to a modern, accredited zoological facility—where he could have received expert care and social interaction with other belugas—was not pursued, and this is a cause for deep reflection.
Belugas are highly social animals, and Hvladimir’s integration with conspecifics could have significantly improved his quality of life.
Furthermore, such a relocation would have provided valuable opportunities for scientific research, contributing to our understanding of beluga biology and conservation at a time when their populations are increasingly threatened by climate change, habitat loss, and other human activities.
We believe that this unfortunate outcome should guide future efforts to protect marine mammals in similar situations.
The EAAM remains fully committed to advocating for the safety and well-being of all marine mammals, and we stand ready to support decisions that prioritize their welfare above all else.
Sincerely,
European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM)
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