In a recent opinion survey conducted by the research institute Insa for “Bild am Sonntag” data suggests that more than half of Germans feel distressed by the fate of a humpback whale stranded off the Baltic Sea coast. Specifically, 53 percent of respondents reported that they are worried about the animal, while 36 percent stated they were not concerned.
When asked about potential actions to take, however, there is a mixed consensus regarding further rescue efforts. Only a relative majority supports additional intervention to save the whale, with 45 percent of respondents favoring these measures. Conversely, 37 percent believe that no intervention should take place, arguing that the whale must be allowed to die naturally. Furthermore, 5 percent of respondents advocated for killing the animal, citing methods such as explosives. Thirteen percent were unable to give an opinion on the matter.
Another highly debated topic was the idea of erecting a memorial for the whale. The public reception is largely unfavorable, with 45 percent finding such a monument objectionable, compared to 28 percent who deemed it appropriate, and 27 percent who declined to answer. This discussion came after Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Environment Minister, Till Backhaus (SPD), proposed the memorial.
The survey also highlighted the controversy surrounding the minister’s own involvement in the whale crisis. Regarding Backhaus’s handling of the situation, 24 percent rated his actions positively, while 34 percent rated them poorly. A significant 42 percent of respondents were undecided.
The survey was conducted by Insa for “Bild am Sonntag” and sampled 1,005 individuals between April 23 and April 24, 2026.
