Whale on the Shore: What Happens Next?

A young fin whale washed up near Anchorage, Alaska, in November 2024. The cold weather made it hard for scientists to figure out why she died. They checked for signs of sickness, hunger, or injuries from ships but found nothing clear. The whale stayed on the shore, frozen in place, as people came to see her. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) had to decide what to do with the whale's body. They had a plan to help them choose, thinking about things like how to move the whale without it falling apart. Options included burning, burying, or sinking the carcass. James Grogan, a retired air force pilot and museum director, saw the whale and had an idea. He wanted to bring the whale to his museum, the Museum of Alaska, to show her bones to the public. He got permission from Native corporations and government agencies to take the whale. Moving the whale was not easy. Grogan and volunteers worked for weeks to collect the bones. They had to deal with the cold, the mud, and the smell. They used chainsaws, trucks, and even a special vehicle to get the bones out. Finally, they got the bones to the museum, where they are now being cleaned. Grogan believes the whale's story shows the importance of taking care of nature. He wants to work with the government to protect whales from ship strikes. He also thinks the whale's bones will teach people about the beauty and complexity of nature.

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