Humpback whale swims in the Flensburg Fjord – likely the animal from the Kiel Fjord

Researchers see signs of health problems

The authority assumes that this is the whale that had previously been spotted in Scotland, Denmark, and most recently in the Kiel Fjord. Carl Christian Kinze confirmed to NDR Schleswig-Holstein that it is the humpback whale from the Kiel Fjord. Based on the images, the whale researcher assesses the animal as likely old or not healthy.

Kinze also pointed to a growth formation on the animal's head, which he described as „höchst ungewöhnlich" and had never before seen on a humpback whale. According to the researcher, skin conditions and a pale coloration indicate a possible fungal infection, which could point to a weakened immune system or unfavorable environmental conditions.

The ministry added: „Es lässt sich von außen sehen, dass die Haut ein bisschen verfärbt ist. Das hatte man ja auch schon in Kiel gesehen." Beyond that, there are no findings about the whale's state of health. „Darüber hinaus haben wir keine Erkenntnisse über den Gesundheitszustand des Wals", the spokesperson said.

Authorities call for distance

The state agency appealed, „den Wal möglichst nicht zu stören und bei Sichtungen größtmöglichen Abstand zu halten". The ministry estimates the animal's length at around ten meters. According to Kinze, the humpback whale is likely searching for food in the fjord, such as Flensburg sprats. Should it find no further food, it will presumably continue its migration.

The water protection police are providing support on site and are regularly informing the Ministry of the Environment about developments. According to police, the Travemünde shipping center was also informed to ensure traffic safety on the Flensburg Fjord. „Grundsätzlich haben wir eine Meldekette etabliert für die Fälle, sowohl wenn Großwale gesichtet werden, aber insbesondere natürlich für den Fall, dass es zu einer Strandung kommt, damit wir schnell darüber informiert werden", the ministry spokesperson explained.

In the event of a stranding, decisions would be coordinated with experts, the local authorities, and the affected municipality, the ministry further stated. The traffic center has also been informed. On Friday morning, several eyewitnesses had reported a whale in the Flensburg Fjord.

Memories of the whale Timmy

The reappearance brings back memories of the humpback whale that became known by the name Timmy. From the beginning of March to May, the fate of the animal kept the public and authorities on edge. Timmy wandered for weeks off the German Baltic coast, stranding several times off Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. A private initiative launched a rescue attempt for the badly ailing and weakened animal and transported it on a barge to the North Sea, where the whale was released into the open ocean. Examinations indicated that the humpback whale lived for a few more days before it perished.

In early May, its carcass was discovered off the Danish island of Anholt. A humpback whale continues to swim off the German Baltic coast. That humpback whales, during their migrations, stay in shallow coastal waters and swim into bays and river mouths is typical behavior. (AFP)