Scientists across the globe have only ever collected six spade-toothed whales, and no one has ever recorded seeing one alive. So when one of these extremely rare whales washed ashore in New Zealand, the scientific community became very excited.
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On July 4, New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) says a 16.5-foot beaked whale washed ashore on an Otago beach. “Upon inspection, and consultation with marine-mammal experts from DOC and Te Papa, it appears the creature was a male spade-toothed whale—a species so rare next to nothing is known about them,” DOC says in a statement.
Experts carefully removed the rare whale’s body from the beach and put it in a giant fridge for preservation. Scientists sent genetic samples to the University of Auckland to officially get a species ID on this remarkable animal. DOC says a specimen this fresh could offer the first opportunity for scientists to dissect a spade-toothed whale.
“From a scientific and conservation point of view, this is huge,” said Gabe Davies, DOC’s Coastal Otago Operations Manager, in the press release. “Spade-toothed whales are one of the most poorly known large mammalian species of modern times.”
Watch the DOC lift up this rare whale here:
As experts wait on the DNA results to confirm the species identification, officials are discussing next steps for the specimen. Assuming it is a spade-toothed whale, this incredible find could further the scientific community’s understanding of this elusive marine mammal.
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Blessed 🙌
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