Wealthy Backers Scramble to Rescue Stranded German Humpback
A last-ditch effort to save a wayward humpback whale in the Baltic Sea has begun, despite criticism it's unlikely to succeed and could further harm the massive creature.
Wealthy backers have launched a last-ditch effort to rescue a wayward humpback whale that has transfixed Germans for weeks, despite critics warning the rescue attempt is unlikely to succeed and could lead to further harm for the 12-tonne creature.
The male humpback, nicknamed Tommy, was first spotted last month near Timmendorfer Strand on the northern coast of Germany. It has repeatedly become stranded and then freed itself after human assistance, but is now stranded again, with rescuers saying it is fighting a losing battle for its life.
The rescue effort is being funded by a group of anonymous millionaires who are hoping to save the whale, despite widespread skepticism from marine experts. Critics argue the attempts to intervene are misguided and could end up harming the animal further.
Humpback whales are known for their complex social structures and long-distance migrations, typically traveling thousands of miles between feeding and breeding grounds. Experts say Tommy's presence so far from his normal range is highly unusual and concerning.
Source: The Guardian
