Male humpback which has repeatedly stranded and freed itself in Germany in past month is to be left in peace to die
W
hen a 10-metre long humpback whale became stranded on a sandbar in the Baltic Sea last month, none of those who went to its rescue could have known how it might turn lives and livelihoods upside down.
About a month after the first sighting of the male whale, near Wismar and Timmendorfer Strand on the north German coast, it has repeatedly stranded and freed itself and is now stranded once more, with rescuers saying it is in the throes of death.
The drama has captivated the country, making politicians cry and drawing shamans from distant parts. Experts brought in first to help save the whale, and then to ease the animal’s demise, have faced death threats. Those accusing politicians and environmentalists of worsening the whale’s plight, even animal cruelty, have said it is an argument for bringing the far right into power.
