A humpback whale known as 'Timmy' is spending its likely final days stranded in the shallow waters of the Baltic Sea, with experts warning that rescue efforts may be causing more harm than good. The whale, first spotted near the eastern German town of Wismar on 3 March, has captivated audiences worldwide through extended livestreams.
Timmy is visibly sick, breathing irregularly and remaining motionless for days at a time. The whale is also suffering from a severe skin condition due to the Baltic Sea's low salt content, prompting rescuers to apply zinc ointment. Despite attempts to guide the mammal back to the North Sea, including using police boats, excavators, and inflatable boats, Timmy has repeatedly swum in the wrong direction.
Authorities approved a plan to use air cushions to lift the whale onto a tarp and tow it to open water, but Timmy began swimming again as the tide rose on Monday. Boats tried to steer the animal, but many now believe it is too late. Marine biologist Thilo Maack of Greenpeace told The Associated Press that the rescue efforts are causing severe stress and questioned the necessity of intervening. 'Animals live, animals die. This animal is really, really very, very, very sick. And it has decided to seek rest,' Maack said.
Public interest has been intense, with activists protesting for the whale's liberation and influencers debating whether to let nature take its course. Police established a 500-metre protection zone to keep onlookers away, but a 67-year-old woman jumped from a boat to approach the whale before being stopped. Experts fear Timmy will perish soon, unable to navigate the hundreds of kilometres of shallow Baltic waters to reach the Atlantic.
