Gray whale killed by ship is a science exhibit in San Francisco

In January of this year, California was hit by historic storms that left the coastline 50 feet tallIncredible waves have washed many interesting things onto the sand, but perhaps none is more poignant than the giant skull of a gray whale at Muir Beach.

A skull weighs about 400 pounds, which is surprising considering gray whales (which migrate near the California coastline when migrating between Mexico and the Arctic) typically weigh over 50,000 pounds and are 40 feet long. not. Just then, ocean researchers already knew the creature it belonged to. Little beach.

The logistics of moving the carcasses proved difficult, so the decision was made to let the whales decompose naturally. That way, you can continue to give back after your death. A Marine Mammal Center spokesperson said:natural decomposition “provides a substantial source of nitrogen for small prey fish, birds, crustaceans, small terrestrial predators, and ecosystems.”

Now the whale skull offers even more value. National Park Service staff said,Presidio Field StationThe new Park Curiosity Lab at the Presidio Tunnel Tops is the ideal place to share that and its story with the public,” said Damian Raffa, Senior Park Experience and Partnerships Specialist at the Presidio Trust. Volunteers working with the National Park Service loaded the skull onto a truck and took it to San Francisco for display.

“These are the largest bones currently in the Presidio Field Station collection. We hope their presence will make you wonder about these aquatic giants, the ancient settlers along the Golden Gate.” says Raffa. “We are its caretakers and are honored to share this beautiful planetary life form with park visitors.”