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Humpback Whale ‘Timmy’ Near Death With Questions Over Rescuer’s Record

Fresh scrutiny of Robert Marc Lehmann’s titles and awards raises doubts about oversight in wildlife emergencies.

Overview

  • Experts now say the stranded humpback will not survive despite a brief position change that raised hopes.
  • Several attempts to guide the 12-ton animal from the beach near Timmendorfer Strand back to deeper water failed.
  • The town’s mayor said Robert Marc Lehmann took charge and made poor decisions that derailed a promising rescue try.
  • Archived versions of Lehmann’s website once billed him as a “graduate marine biologist,” but the University of Kiel says it offers no marine biology degree.
  • National Geographic Germany’s editor said his “Photographer of the Year 2015” claim is misleading since the global award went to James Smart and his win was a smaller German contest.