Blue Whale
Skeleton Dismantle |
Blue Whale Restoration Photos |
Earlier this spring, the Museum's Blue Whale skeleton "migrated" north to an exhibit design company called Academy Studios, in Novato, Calif., where it is currently undergoing a thorough restoration. The skeleton was dismantled and moved north on a truck, but the skull of the whale remains at the Museum because it is too badly deteriorated to be restored. Instead, a skull harvested from a 2007 Blue Whale stranding will take the place of the old skull when the restoration is complete. Stay tuned for the re-assembly of the 7,700 pound Blue Whale skeleton in late summer!
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Blue Whale Skeleton - 2008
Blue Whale Skeleton - 2004
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The 72-foot long Blue Whale skeleton in the Museum’s front yard is not only an icon of the Museum, but a rare specimen that gives our visitors first-hand exposure to the world’s largest animal. The Museum’s skeleton is one of only five complete Blue Whale skeletons on exhibit in the United States. Yet our treasured whale is deteriorating and in critical need of repair. The Museum has set the much-needed restoration of the skeleton as a top priority for 2010.
The skeleton was harvested from the rocky cliffs near Point Arguello on Vandenberg Air Force Base in 1980, and set on exhibit in 1983. The magnificent Blue Whale skeleton has fascinated Museum visitors for more than 25 years. Exposed to direct sun and rain, certain bones of the skeleton have deteriorated to the point where they must either be repaired or dismantled. Removal of the Blue Whale would be a significant loss to the Museum, our visitors, and the scientific community.
An analysis performed by Museum scientists has shown that the whale’s skull must be replaced in its entirety and that the remainder of the skeleton will require extensive repair. Curator of Vertebrate Zoology Paul Collins will supervise this work.
The campaign and restoration is estimated to cost $500,000. To date, the Museum has raised $430,000.
Phase One: New Skull Preparation
In 2007, Museum scientists harvested a skull from a similar-sized Blue Whale that washed ashore in Ventura. This skull is now at a site in Gaviota awaiting maceration, a complicated process involving the removal of the remaining soft tissues and the treatment of the bones for long-term display. Costs associated with this 18-month phase include staffing, construction of large soaking tanks, rental of industrial equipment such as a steam cleaner and a crane, and purchase of supplies.
Phase Two: Skeleton Restoration & Skull Installation
The existing Blue Whale bones will be replaced or refurbished, and the newly prepared skull bones will be installed.
Phase Three: Exhibit Design & Installation
In this phase, interpretative signage, lighting and landscaping will be installed.
For more information about the campaign, contact Caroline Grange,
Director of Development at
805-682-4711 ext. 109 or at cgrange@sbnature2.org.
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