A major rescue attempt has started to save Timmy, a young humpback whale stranded in shallow waters off Germany’s Baltic coast.
The whale has been stuck near the island of Poel, close to the city of Wismar, for about four weeks. During this time, Timmy has repeatedly become stranded on sandbanks.
Experts believe the animal may be sick or confused, as humpback whales usually avoid the Baltic Sea because of its low salt levels.
On Tuesday, a private rescue team began an operation to move the whale. The plan is to guide Timmy through a newly dug channel and lift him onto a large, water-filled transport barge. From there, he would be taken to deeper waters in the North Sea.
The rescue is funded by two wealthy individuals, including one linked to a large electronics company. The total cost of the operation has not been made public.
However, scientists from the German Oceanographic Museum have warned that the rescue has a low chance of success. They say the whale is already in poor health and the process could cause serious stress, injury, and high noise levels inside the barge.
Public opinion has been divided. Some people have called for stronger action, including euthanasia, to prevent further suffering. Others support the rescue attempt and have even camped near the site to follow the situation closely.
Humpback whales were once hunted close to extinction but have recovered in many parts of the world. While the species is no longer considered endangered globally, some populations are still at risk.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: theanimalreader.com
