Dissection Of A Rare Spade-Toothed Whale Reveals Insights Into The Elusive Species
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When a giant, dolphin-like animal washed ashore a beach in Otago, New Zealand, locals alerted the Department of Conservation (DOC). Upon arrival, the experts realized the 16-foot (5-meter) mammal was no dolphin. It was a spade-toothed whale, the rarest whale species known to science.
“I immediately went, ‘Oh my goodness, it’s a spade-toothed whale!, local whale expert Anton van Helden told CNN. “A lot of people didn’t believe me."
Spade-toothed whales belong to the beaked whale family. They are named for their large, flat, broad teeth that resemble spades. These elusive mammals spend most of their time deep in the South Pacific Ocean. They have been seen by humans only six times — and never alive. All previous specimens were buried before DNA testing could confirm their identity. The limited knowledge about the species comes from lower jaw and tooth samples collected in 1874, as well as partial remains found decades later.
This is why the specimen that washed ashore in Otago on July 4, 2024, caused such excitement. The DOC quickly placed the remarkably intact whale in a freezer and took it to the local center. To confirm its identity, they sent DNA samples to the University of Auckland. By early December 2024, it was verified the mammal was indeed a spade-toothed whale.
Then, a team led by van Helden began a thorough examination of the animal. Swelling around the head and a broken jaw suggested the whale died from a head injury. The dissection took place from December 2 to December 6, 2024. It revealed nine stomach chambers, some of which contained squid remains. The scientists also found worms and parts of other unidentified organisms.
Additionally, the whale’s upper jaw featured small, undeveloped teeth. Previous research on this species shows that these teeth lost importance over time. This change occurred as the whale's diet evolved to favor suction feeding. This is a method where an animal uses a rapid, vacuum-like action to draw in prey, like squid or small fish.
The team also found structures related to both feeding and sound production. They measured and recorded the weights of various muscles and organs. This will help them describe this species in detail and compare it to related ones.
“These all add to the body of knowledge we are building,” said van Helden.
With the dissection complete, the scientists are now preparing several research papers to reveal additional details about the spade-toothed whale. Meanwhile, the whale’s jawbone and teeth have been given to the local Māori people, who consider the mammals a sacred treasure. The rest of the skeleton, with 3D-printed replacements for the missing parts, will be displayed at a local museum for all to admire.
Resources: Smithsonian.com, theguardian.com, hsc.edu, CNN.com
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40 Comments
gavin1234about 18 hoursGood
I feel bad for the whale, but this is really cool!
moonbeamluv1 daypoor whale :(
chocolate1682 daysI am studying whales in school right now, they really are amazing
mu5hr00m2 daysAmazin absolutely amazing
sarthak3 daysThat is sad but cool
zbarton3 daysI agree
imthesigma4 daysit looks so cool🐳🐳
warrior_catzzzz4 daysAWwww I feel really bad for the whale especially because its really rare
peacebonbon47 daysIt's too bad that the wale died
newsmp7 days😮Pretty cool!
