Scientists Begin Historic Study of the World's Rarest Whale in New Zealand

The dissection of a spade-toothed whale, the first complete specimen ever studied, aims to unlock secrets about the elusive deep-diving species.

The spade-toothed whale, considered the rarest whale species with only seven known specimens, washed ashore in Otago, New Zealand, in July 2024.
This marks the first-ever dissection of a complete spade-toothed whale, a species of beaked whale known for its deep-diving behavior and mysterious nature.
Scientists aim to study the whale's anatomy, diet, sound production, and other biological features to better understand the species and its life in the deep ocean.
The dissection is being conducted in collaboration with local Māori, who regard whales as sacred and are contributing traditional knowledge and cultural practices to the study.
Findings from the study could provide insights into the whale's biology, its interactions with the ocean ecosystem, and potential threats to its survival.