A whale expert has argued that the stranded humpback whale Timmy should have been euthanised rather than rescued, after the animal died days following a costly rescue operation. Timmy was first found stranded off Germany's Baltic coast in March, tangled in fishing gear and with cuts from a ship strike.
Despite repeated attempts to free him using an excavator and dredger, Timmy became stranded multiple times. Two millionaires reportedly contributed €1.5 million to move him onto a barge and release him off Denmark on May 2, but he was found dead shortly after.
The expert, a wildlife scientist, said that from an animal-welfare perspective, euthanasia was the kindest option. Timmy was in poor health, suffering from low-salinity water causing skin deterioration, likely internal organ damage from his own weight, and risk of sunburn. His vocalisations during the rescue were not understood but could indicate pain.
The rescue effort was described as "inadvisable" by stranding experts from the International Whaling Committee on grounds of animal welfare and human safety. The expert suggested that the funds used for the rescue could have been better spent on broader marine conservation.
The article draws parallels with the orca Keiko, star of the film Free Willy, who died after a costly release attempt. The expert concludes that when an animal is suffering, welfare should be the priority over the human desire to rescue.
