The Blue Whale is a majestic creature that has captured the imagination of people for centuries. As the largest animal on Earth, it is a wonder to behold and has been the subject of many documentaries and books. One question that often arises is whether the Blue Whale can still be seen at the Natural History Museum.
The answer is yes! The Blue Whale is still on display at the Natural History Museum in London, England. This iconic exhibit has been a staple of the museum since it was first unveiled in 1938 and remains one of its most popular attractions to this day.
If you’re planning on visiting the museum, be sure to set aside some time to see this incredible specimen up close. It’s hard not to feel awestruck by its sheer size and beauty as you stand beneath its suspended skeleton.
But what makes this exhibit truly remarkable isn’t just its impressive size – it’s also a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. The process of creating such an exhibit was no easy feat, requiring years of work from dedicated scientists, curators, and technicians.
The story behind the Blue Whale exhibit begins in 1925 when a group of whalers caught a female Blue Whale off the coast of South Georgia in the Antarctic. The whale was then sold to a Norwegian company who shipped it to Norway where it was processed for oil and meat.
However, one man named Bernard Heinrich decided that this particular whale should be preserved for scientific purposes. He convinced his employer, Lever Brothers (now known as Unilever), to purchase the skeleton and donate it to the British Museum (now known as the Natural History Museum).
But transporting such a large specimen across thousands of miles proved difficult. The whale’s bones had to be boiled down in vats before being shipped back to England where they were then reassembled into a skeleton over several years.
Finally, in 1938, the Blue Whale was unveiled at the museum where it has remained ever since. Over the years, it has become a symbol of the museum’s commitment to education and scientific discovery.
Today, visitors can learn about the biology and behavior of Blue Whales as well as the history of whaling and conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. It’s a must-see exhibit for anyone interested in marine life or natural history.
In conclusion, the Blue Whale is still on display at the Natural History Museum and is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Its impressive size and beauty make it a popular attraction for visitors of all ages, while its historical significance has earned it a place among the museum’s most iconic exhibits. So if you’re planning on visiting the museum, be sure to set aside some time to see this incredible specimen up close!