Fin whale skeleton unearthed after four years in Türkiye
14-meter marine giant to be displayed at Mersin University museum, inspiring students and advancing marine science education
MERSIN, Türkiye (MNTV) — Researchers at Mersin University have begun excavating the 14-meter skeleton of a fin whale that had been buried for four years to undergo natural decomposition before study and display.
The massive whale, one of the world’s largest marine mammals, washed ashore in May 2021 and was interred on the university’s Yenisehir Campus after a necropsy to determine its cause of death.
The excavation forms part of a scientific initiative titled “The Silence of the Whale Turns into Science”, led by Professor Deniz Ayas of the university’s Faculty of Fisheries.
The project aims to transform the whale’s remains into an educational exhibit that highlights marine biodiversity and anatomy.
According to Ayas, over 400 students registered to join the excavation, exceeding expectations and turning the dig into a collaborative learning experience.
The initial phase focused on exposing the skull and jawbones, followed by work on the chest, abdomen, and tail sections.
Researchers have been meticulously numbering, cataloguing, and screening the bones and surrounding sand to preserve even the smallest fragments.
Once cleaned and reconstructed, the skeleton will be suspended for public display at the Mersin University Marine Life Museum.
“Our goal is to reassemble the whale as a complete skeleton so that future generations can study and appreciate its anatomy and ecology,” Professor Ayas said, emphasizing the project’s educational and scientific value.
The excavation, expected to conclude by October 8, will be followed by reconstruction and display preparations. The finished exhibit will stand as one of Türkiye’s rare examples of a full fin whale skeleton.
Ayas added that remains of eight other marine mammals are buried nearby and will be excavated in future research phases, turning Mersin University into a significant regional hub for marine science and heritage.
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