Whale of a Challenge

Our Collections: Collections, Shark Fossils, Stingray Fossils, Cetacean Fossils A Whale of a Challenge

Originally recovered by a sharp-eyed dragline operator at the neighboring phosphate mine, this 8x8-foot block of Yorktown clay containing a partial baleen whale sat untouched for many years.

In 2008, an anonymous donor gave the fossil specimen (consisting of 25 vertebrae and nearly complete rib cage) to the Aurora Fossil Museum.

Based on the data from the vertebrae and ribs, the whale is estimated to have been between 35 and 40 feet in length!

Come visit the Aurora Fossil Museum to see the specimen and learn more about the process of its discovery in the mine to its new residence in the Aurora Learning Center!

"A Whale of A Challenge" timeline:

Early Spring 2009:
   •Whale fossil was donated to the Aurora Fossil Museum
   •George Powell Jr. assumed the task of preparing the fossil specimen for display
   •Initial prep work begins

May 2009:
   •Volunteers assisted with matrix removal and prep work
   •George contacts Cindy Crane for pending jacketing assistance and supplies needed

July 2009:
   •Volunteers plaster jacket the whale for transport to the Learning Center

Summer 2009:
   •George processes the matrix (sediment surrounding the fossil) and identifies accessory fossils
   •Tim Weeks constructs the display case to house the whale
   •With the assistance of the Town of Aurora, the whale is lifted (using a forklift) onto the display
   •Whale becomes permanent resident of the Aurora Fossil Museum Learning Center

Fall 2009:
   •George Powell completes finishing work on the display
   •Protective glass is installed around the display case

Summer 2010:
   •To better protect the whale specimen, a new glass case was installed