Beluga Whale Moby Dick Captivated Germany in 1966
In 1966, a beluga whale named 'Moby Dick' by the press swam up the Rhine River, sparking a media frenzy and becoming a campaign theme. The whale was first spotted near Duisburg on May 18, and by June 13, it interrupted a NATO press conference in Bonn when government spokesman Karl-Günther von Hase announced its appearance. The whale, also called 'Willi de Waal,' was pursued by Duisburg Zoo's director, Dr. Gewalt. The event inspired a popular song and galvanized the emerging environmental movement in Germany.
Key facts
- Beluga whale named Moby Dick swam up the Rhine in 1966.
- First spotted near Duisburg on May 18, 1966.
- On June 13, 1966, government spokesman Karl-Günther von Hase announced its appearance at a NATO press conference.
- The whale was also called Willi de Waal.
- Duisburg Zoo director Dr. Gewalt led the pursuit.
- The event became a media and election campaign topic.
- Inspired a popular schunkel song.
- Galvanized the environmental movement in Germany.
Entities
Institutions
- Duisburg Zoo
- NATO
- Bundespressekonferenz
- Der Freitag
Locations
- Rhine River
- Duisburg
- Bonn
- Germany