Stranded humpback whale named Timmy released in the North Sea

A young humpback whale, nicknamed Timmy by German media, was released into the North Sea off the coast of Denmark on Saturday. The animal had been stranded in shallow waters near the island of Poel in the Baltic Sea for 29 days, having first been spotted on March 23 near Lübeck. After German officials abandoned rescue attempts in early April, deeming the whale unsalvageable, a private rescue mission was funded by two entrepreneurs. The whale was transported on a barge filled with water to the release site. While rescuers noted the whale was swimming in the right direction, marine biologists remain skeptical about its survival. Expert Fabian Ritter stated that the whale is far from healthy after its prolonged period in captivity. The animal's condition remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether it can still dive and swim effectively. The event garnered significant attention in German media and social networks throughout the operation.