Whale on the Shore: What Happens Next?

In November 2024, a young fin whale washed up near Anchorage, Alaska. The cold weather made it difficult for scientists to determine the cause of death. They checked for signs of illness, starvation, or ship strikes but found no clear answers. The whale remained on the shore, frozen in place, as people came to see her.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) faced the challenge of deciding what to do with the whale's body. They considered options like burning, burying, or sinking the carcass, weighing the logistics of each method.

A Unique Idea from a Retired Pilot

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 display her bones to the public. After obtaining permission from Native corporations and government agencies, Grogan set out to make his vision a reality.

The Challenge of Moving the Whale

Moving the whale was no easy task. Grogan and volunteers worked for weeks to collect the bones, battling the cold, mud, and the overwhelming smell. They used chainsaws, trucks, and even a special vehicle to carefully extract the bones. Finally, they successfully transported the bones to the museum, where they are now being cleaned.

A Message of Conservation

Grogan believes the whale's story highlights the importance of protecting nature. He hopes to collaborate with the government to prevent ship strikes that threaten whales. He also hopes the whale's bones will educate the public about the beauty and complexity of nature.