Impossible to have forgotten the image of this killer whale, drifting in the fresh waters of the Seine.

The large black and white predator of the oceans, out of its natural habitat, inevitably perished.

If the extraordinary scene was able to move, it also represents an unexpected opportunity for the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN).

Scientists at the Pelagis Observatory were able, after the autopsy, to recover the bones of the animal.

This drifting

Orcinus orca

presents a rare and valuable opportunity to obtain the first complete skeleton of the species.

The skeleton prepared before being exposed

He will come to fill the prestigious collection of the museum - the third largest in the world - with more than 67 million specimens.

But before it can be displayed to the public, scientists will have to condition the bones.

Under the supervision of evolution and biodiversity researcher Aude Lalis and osteology trainer Eric Pellé, the skeleton will be degreased, cleaned and then inventoried (each bone will be numbered).

According to the museum, this opportunity is essential for research activities to increase our knowledge of biodiversity, in order to better be able to protect it.

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  • Culture

  • Science

  • Paris

  • Museum

  • Biodiversity

  • Seine

  • Ile-de-France