Scientists Begin Historic Study of Rare Bahamonde Beaked Whale in New Zealand

The autopsy of the world's rarest whale species aims to uncover long-sought insights into its anatomy, behavior, and ecology.

A five-meter-long Bahamonde beaked whale, considered the rarest whale species, was found stranded on New Zealand's South Island in July 2024.
This marks the first autopsy of a fully intact specimen, as living examples of the species have never been observed in the wild.
The week-long investigation involves international experts and the Maori community, who view whales as ancestral beings and ensure respectful handling.
Researchers aim to study the whale's stomach structure, sound-producing organs, and other features to fill gaps in understanding of its deep-ocean life.
The whale's skeleton will be displayed at the Tūhura Otago Museum in Dunedin after the study concludes.