Blue Whale bone recovery

In 2014 a tragic event happened off the coast of Newfoundland.
Nine blue whales were trapped in the ice, and subsequently died.
Usually, blue whales sink to the bottom of the ocean when they die; but in this case two of them were washed ashore.

This unfortunate event became an opportunity for the world of science to research these enormous mammals..
The Royal Ontario Museum scientist together with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Research Casting International, as well as some local communities began to de-flesh and recover the bones of this endangered species.
They transported the bones to Ontario and began a two year process to de-grease these bones for display.
Herewith, are some pictures of the finished product taken at the new exhibit.

 

The Ribs

 

The Fin

                                                                       The Tail