Experts believe that the Beluga whale who was filmed playing catch with South African rugby fans may be the famous friendly whale, Hvaldimir.
The video shows the whale catching the ball and then bringing it back to the boat for the rugby fans to throw again. Although there's no question that the footage is ridiculously cute, it may not be quite as harmless as it looks on first glance.
Advert
Having become an internet sensation, experts have been quick to point out that the creature appears to be very malnourished.
He's often seen approaching fishing boats in shallow water appearing to beg for food and attention.
As reported by The Independent, Ferris Jabr, a science writer for The New York Times and Scientific American, said: "This is likely Hvaldimir, a once captive whale who may have escaped a Russian military programme.
"Alone, malnourished, and injured, [Hvaldimir] roams the seas, seeking food & attention from people."
Advert
Quad Finn, a researcher of aquatic mammals also told the news outlet: "Hvaldimir was taken from the ocean and trained by humans to do tricks like fetching objects in exchange for food.
"That he's malnourished and still dependent on humans for food are likely reasons for what appears to be 'playful' behaviour."
Other theories extend from him being a Russian spy - he was found with a 'St Petersburg Equipment' harness on him - to a 'therapy whale' from a diving centre that was used to help children overcome trauma.
Hvaldimir has been filmed a few times lately. The male animal is very friendly and tame, and seems to love being near and interacting with humans.
Advert
A month ago he was caught on camera retrieving a kayaker's GoPro from the ocean after it was dropped.
He can be seen following Joachim Larssen's kayak earlier this month, as he was on the waters of Hammerfest Bay in Norway, and touching up against it to get his attention.
Obviously keen to grab the chance to get some unique close up footage of the friendly sea creature, Larssen submerged his camera under the water.
Advert
In the clip, Hvaldimir comes towards the lens, looks into the camera and turns side on. He then moves closer to the camera and knocks it off its mount - causing it to fall into the water.
It looks like the camera might end up staying underwater, but the footage from the GoPro goes from the black of the floor to light again, as Hvaldimir grabs it in his mouth and takes it back to the surface.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@Zels77