Militaries often have unique weapons that they use to their advantage. From special torture methods, to high-tech lasers, AI powered tanks, and even animals, militaries have always been quite innovative. However, one of these things doesn’t quite belong with the other.
The United States was actually the first pioneer in the world of Marine animal training. But seriously, they actually trained dolphins and sea lions to help with national defense, starting in the 1960s. Dolphins were trained to use their echo-location to help find underwater mines, whilst sea lions used their amazing underwater eyesight to help discover enemy swimmers. The United States marine animal training program still exists today, and much controversy and conspiracy remains surrounding the program.
But the United States isn’t the only country that has employed the use of marine animals to help with national security. Russia has also been using underwater animals for national security benefits for decades. Some reports even speculate that Russian dolphins were deployed to help protect Russian naval bases from Ukranian attack during the ongoing war.
This brings us to todays topic: Hvaldimir, the beluga whale. Hvaldimir first gained the world’s attention when he was spotted wearing a harness that read “Property of St. Petersburg” (for context, a Russian city).
But Hvaldimir was recently found dead. Some animal rights activists even believe he may have been spot dead due to him being a national security threat. But this is a rather unlikely scenario.
Still, Hvaldimir’s death helps to open up conversations about the dystopian idea of using marine animals for national security. He surely did not die in vain.
