Fin Whale Project

I had the incredible opportunity to work on the impressive skeleton of a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), which became the most ambitious project I’ve taken on so far . conducted with the support and sponsorship of the israeli Aquarium. This project challenged and improved all my various skills, allowing me to fully explore the detailed process of restoration and assembly. 

The Whale Story

In February 2021, a young male fin whale, 17.5 meters long and weighing around 30 tons (approximately 57 feet and 66,000 pounds), washed up dead on the shore and was buried shortly afterward. The decision to bury the whale was made to allow for the natural cleaning of the skeleton, although it was uncertain at the time whether it would be exhibited or kept as scientific material.

Two years later, in May 2023, teams from the aquarium, zoo, and marine mammal research center excavated the bones, which had sustained significant damage during the burial process. The bones were then transported to the aquarium for further cleaning and preparation. It was at this stage that the decision was made to restore the skeleton and display it for the public.

The bones were initially submerged in a large pool of water, specially constructed for the cleaning process. In August 2023, I joined the project, taking charge of the restoration and articulation of this enormous skeleton.

Despite the challenges, I began a careful restoration process, working alongside experts to ensure the skeleton's long-term preservation. After months of submersion, the bones were ready to be removed from the water, and the delicate hand-cleaning process began. Most of the project involved reassembling and repairing the damaged bones. Broken bones were carefully reassembled using Paraloid B72 glue, known for its reversible properties, and supported by stainless steel rods to ensure stability.

Additionally, we collaborated with a professional company to develop the support structure for this massive skeleton. Given our decision to suspend the skeleton in a unique way, we needed to come up with innovative solutions that had never been used before. Unlike traditional methods seen in other displays, we followed strict guidelines to avoid drilling into the bones to insert the support structure, thus preventing further damage.

With the help of this company and advanced 3D scanning technology, we created a detailed digital model to assist in planning the hanging and display. This allowed us to achieve the goal of suspending the skeleton using almost non-invasive methods, preserving the integrity of the bones. By August 2024, the skeleton, now weighing approximately 750 kg, with the entire structure reaching 1 ton, was finally suspended for public viewing, showcasing the remarkable journey of this whale.