Rare Spade-Toothed Whale Washes Up in New Zealand, Offering Unprecedented Research Opportunity

Scientists hope to gain new insights into the elusive species, known for its mysterious habits and deep-sea habitat.

The spade-toothed whale is the world's rarest, with no live sightings ever recorded.
A specimen believed to be a spade-toothed whale was found on Otago beach, identified by its skull, beak, and teeth.
This discovery could allow scientists to study the species' diet, habitat, and relationship to other whales.
The whale has been preserved for examination in collaboration with local Māori iwi, who consider whales culturally significant.
Genetic testing to confirm the whale's identification is expected to take several months.