Jörg-Andreas Krüger, chairman of the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU), believes the narwhal trapped near the island of Poel in the Baltic Sea has only a small chance of survival. Speaking to “T-Online” on Wednesday, Krüger stated, “I would wish for him to make it, but given his injuries, the outlook is unfortunately not good”. The whale is again grounded in shallow waters, and his own weight is putting stress on his organs.
Krüger also expressed skepticism about the ongoing rescue efforts. He noted, “The situation is likely causing enormous stress for the whale”. Furthermore, the large number of boats surrounding the animal could worsen the situation. He added that “intentionally moving a whale in such a situation is extremely difficult and involves considerable uncertainty”.
According to Krüger, a more cautious approach would have been advisable, requiring careful assessment to determine if intervention would genuinely help the animal. He questioned the overall utility of a transport, even if successful, considering the whale’s current condition.
Regarding the potential cause of the narwhal’s predicament, which many have nicknamed “Timmy” Krüger also pointed to human impact. He mentioned that the entrance to the Baltic Sea from the North Atlantic is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. “Whales frequently injure themselves there on ship propellers or get entangled in ghost nets-that is nothing unusual” Krüger stated. He concluded that “Timmy ended up in a trap because he ventured far from his actual habitat”.
In Krüger’s assessment, the case could continue to preoccupy Germany for a significant time because whales can survive for “weeks and months” without food.
