Humpback whale released into North Sea off Denmark
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 2
Humpback whale released into North Sea off Denmark
16 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 2
The 10-metre calf, stranded for nearly six weeks in Wismar Bay, left a flooded barge at about 8:45am local time and was later seen swimming freely with a tracker attached.
Marine experts and the International Whaling Commission said the whale appeared severely compromised, with skin lesions and possible net injuries, and warned its chances of survival were low.
German authorities had abandoned rescue efforts before public attention and private multimillionaire funding revived the plan; Denmark said it would not intervene if the whale stranded again.
Was the controversial rescue of humpback whale Timmy a compassionate success or a high-profile mistake?
Will one whale's dramatic story finally force meaningful changes in ocean protection policies?
Does this rescue set a dangerous precedent for future wildlife conservation efforts?