Headline: "Giant Sperm Whale Skeleton Returns to Terneuzen"
Photo credit: Portaal van Vlaanderen
In a remarkable turn of events, the skull of a 14.5-meter giant sperm whale has found its way back to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Starting tomorrow, the public can marvel at this colossal specimen at the Portaal van Vlaanderen information center in Terneuzen.
The journey of this leviathan of the seas began in the Atlantic Ocean in the summer of 2021, where it likely landed on the bow of a Panamanian vessel. The unsuspecting whale was dislodged from the bulb (the bottom part of the ship’s bow) in the sluices of Terneuzen and was carried into the Gent-Terneuzen Canal by the current.
Photo credit: Omroep Zeeland
In 2021, the whale generated a wave of interest among locals and visitors alike, with many flocking to see the beached creature. After its discovery, the whale was lifted from the water using a crane and subsequently examined by experts from the University of Utrecht and Naturalis.
Now, after extensive research and preparations, the whale skull is finally ready for public display. While the entire skeleton couldn’t be exhibited due to the preservation of loose bones, the skull itself is an impressive sight at two meters in length and three meters in width. In the coming weeks, students from local primary schools are invited to explore this unique natural history exhibit.
Source: NOS, Omroep Zeeland
