How Hvaldimir, the beluga whale suspected to be a Russian spy, fits in the history of animal spies

A brief history of animal spies

When one thinks of an international spy, the first image that likely comes to mind is that of James Bond: a ruggedly handsome gentleman in a suit, drinking expensive liquor while keeping alert for any incoming enemies. If you were to meet James Bond in reality, it is possible that he would not be as suave or eloquent in speaking as one might imagine. Instead, it’s possible he would have winged feathers, fluffy paws, or perhaps a large whale tail. He probably wouldn’t speak any human languages, which would make it slightly difficult for him to seduce women.

The most famous animal that has been used for espionage is the pigeon. According to the International Spy Museum, pigeons had little cameras fitted on them during World War I and were released over enemy territory. The little camera clicked as the bird flew through enemy territory. Due to their speed and ability to return to base regardless of the weather, they were also in charge of delivering messages over enemy lines.

The success rate of this method meant that 95 per cent of pigeons completed their deliveries and continued to be used for espionage until the 1950s. A famous pigeon was called Cher Ami, whose last mission was on October 14, 1918, in which it helped save 194 soldiers of an encircled battalion in a fight against the Germans. Cher Ami was shot through the leg and breast by enemy fire but managed to return the message to its loft, as it dangled from his wounded leg. Cher Ami died on June 13, 1919, as a result of the injuries sustained during its mission.

It was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with palm along with other posthumous awards. It was also given the greatest award to be given to any brave hero: being taxidermized.

Beyond the pigeon

However, in more recent years, pigeons have not been the only animals used for espionage. The Cold War prompted many governments to try and induct multiple animals into their espionage programs. One of them was dolphins, as the Smithsonian Magazine detailed, which have been trained by the US Navy since the 1960s to detect submarines and underwater mines.

Like dolphins, the US Navy has also used sea lions, according to Insider, for their eyesight to retrieve unarmed mines and other materials. Perhaps one of the most unexpected animals to be brought into espionage was the cat. In what is now called the Acoustic Kitty project, the CIA attempted to use cats as listening devices, as detailed by the book ‘Beasts of War’.

However, in practice, when they attempted to target the head of state of an Asian country for surveillance, the bugged cat would wander in and out of the long strategy meeting with his aides. They could have probably avoided this attempt by consulting any cat owner who knows that all cats are incapable of taking orders.

While we may not know if Hvaldimir is working as a spy for Russia, we do know that it was, then it would is part of a long history of animal spies.

(Tanvi Jha is an intern with The Indian Express)