The stranded humpback whale “Timmy” suffered severely for days in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania because a rescue technique with air cushions, which has been tried and tested since 1983 , was initially not used. After 16 days in shallow water, emergency services started a rescue attempt with this method today, Thursday – too late, as animal rights activists criticize.

The whale had been lying motionless in shallow water for more than two weeks and could not free itself. Despite internationally recognized and repeatedly successfully used technology with inflatable air cushions (Inflatable Rescue Pontoons), the responsible authorities delayed a corresponding rescue measure. The technique, which has been used for decades in New Zealand, Australia and the USA, among other places, makes it possible to gently lift whales and pull them into deeper water.

Environment Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) had initially declared that a rescue would not be promising. Only after massive public criticism and a criminal complaint for animal cruelty by omission did the state government approve the privately financed use of the air cushions. Animal rights activists accuse the minister and his authorities of ignoring proven international standards and remaining inactive for bureaucratic reasons. This caused unnecessary suffering to the whale.

On April 8, bestselling authors and investigative journalists Marita Vollborn and Vlad Georgescu filed a criminal complaint with the Rostock public prosecutor’s office. They see the procedure as a violation of the Animal Welfare Act. The complaint is directed against Backhaus as the highest employer and the authorities involved. The public prosecutor’s office is examining the case.

Critics speak of a system failure and a conscious political decision for caution instead of quick action. The delay had led to irreversible damage to the whale. The German Oceanographic Museum in Stralsund had expressed interest in the carcass for scientific purposes in case the whale died.

The incident has triggered a debate in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania about how to deal with stranded marine mammals. Animal welfare activists are calling for faster testing and implementation of international rescue standards in the future.

Further information:

Backhaus ignored proven air cushion technology – Timmy was tortured unnecessarily | Pugnalom

Whale Rescue, providing logistical and practical expertise in the rescue of whales and dolphins :: Team Profiles :: Rescue Pontoons

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.