Dear MVP’s of Hvaldimir -

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your role in impacting Hvaldimir's life.

Your support is at the foundation of our mission, and we thank you.

Our journey with Hvaldimir has been unpredictable; marked by the twists and turns of his movements, and shifts in public opinions. From evolving relationships with the government to stellar support from animal welfare organizations, it's been wild and challenging. Yet, when we zoom out, it’s encouraging to witness Hvaldimir's habits evolve over the last 4 years and see the progress we’ve also made in finding a meaningful solution for his unique plight.

**At OneWhale, our core mission is to protect Hvaldimir and advocate for his future in the wild with other belugas, so that he is no longer lost and alone.**

This summer, Hvaldimir embarked on an extraordinary journey, traveling over 750 miles in less than two weeks—twice the distance than the previous years combined. Venturing into the busy harbors, he faced a limited food supply, brackish water, and heavy boat traffic requiring all-hands-on-deck. We followed closely with growing concern, we watched him shed weight and follow boats through the urban and industrial waters of Norway and Sweden, continuing along an unknown path with no relief or sustenance in sight.

By August, Hvaldimir thankfully turned north, returning to regularly visiting various salmon farms in Norway. He gained weight, has been seen in quieter waters with abundant food sources, and is back to his more familiar habits of visiting fish farms or wandering the fjords alone.

**Nevertheless, we know that circumstances could change for Hvaldimir at any moment, as his is a risky and lonely existence.**

Through all this, OneWhale managed to adapt to new circumstances and forge sound relationships with our partner organizations and the authorities. Our organization underwent changes, in which we saw an opportunity for focus and to get back to our roots as a small-but-mighty non-profit.

Today, we stand solid and have emerged stronger.

Our actions reflect the urgent need for a real solution to ensure Hvaldimir's future and well-being. Our deliberate and determined efforts, in partnership with NOAH, are helping to influence key decision-makers and make lasting change.

I am honored to announce that I have taken on the role of Executive Director. As one of the co-founders dedicated to OneWhale since its inception, my passion and commitment to our mission have remained solid. In my new role, I act as the bridge between board direction and day to day organizational work. While we are fundraising to transition this role into a paid, full-time position, I'm committed to lead our team in this new capacity.

As the organization grows, we will continue to advocate for Hvaldimir. We will find a path forward that truly addresses the impact of human interference on his life. We've been privileged to witness Hvaldimir's journey, from his arrival in Norway to his resilience living in the fjords. This drives our unwavering commitment to be a voice for Hvaldimir.

Thank you for being part of our OneWhale community. With your support, Hvaldimir is a lucky whale, and we are filled with inspiration and determination to continue this shared mission.

A Love Letter…

From Oslofjord to Sweden and Back Again