Whale rescuers to be honored with barbecue, Peta urges vegan menu

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Environment Minister Till Backhaus is hosting a private barbecue to thank volunteers who assisted in the rescue of a humpback whale, "Timmy." The whale had become stranded in a bay on the Baltic Sea island of Poel before being successfully transported to the North Sea.

During the event, Backhaus plans to present honorary certificates to the volunteers for their significant contributions to the operation. The rescue effort involved considerable effort to move the large marine mammal.

However, the animal rights organization Peta has appealed to the minister, requesting that only vegan dishes be served at the barbecue. Peta argues that it is hypocritical to go to great lengths to relocate a marine mammal while serving other animals at the celebration. "Every animal wants to live," stated Peta marine biologist Tanja Breining, emphasizing that all animals experience pain and fear and deserve the same protection as the whale.

The environment ministry has since clarified that the planned barbecue will not be exclusively vegan, responding to Peta's appeal.