Out of the Depths
The Blue Whale Story
Date
About
Share in the journey of the ROM scientists, who worked with the local communities of Trout River and Rocky Harbour Newfoundland, to recover two rare blue whales. Dive deep into the story and explore the world’s largest and one of the most mysterious animals.
Out of the Depths: The Blue Whale Story retells the story of nine blue whales that died tragically in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in 2014, and the unprecedented opportunity for research and conservation that has resulted. In this amazing ROM original exhibition, see the enormous skeleton of one of the recovered blue whales and discover how they evolved, the size of their heart, how they communicate, and more of the mind-blowing biology of Earth’s largest animal…ever. Gain insight into the decline of blue whales, what's being done to protect them, and how the ROM is using DNA to unlock some of the secrets of these elusive creatures.
Blue Whale: From Guts to Glory
This was an opportunity for us, born of tragedy, to make something more of her life.
Highlights
Story
In 2014 a tragic event occurred off the coast of Newfoundland when nine rare blue whales became trapped in ice and died. Their loss represents about three percent of the Northwest Atlantic’s blue whale population; in Canada that’s almost equivalent to the human population of Saskatchewan. Blue whales usually sink when they die, but in an unusual occurrence two of the blue whales washed ashore in Trout River and Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, offering an unprecedented opportunity for research.
Recovery
Working with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Research Casting International and the local communities, ROM scientists de-fleshed and recovered the bones of this endangered species, transporting them to Ontario. After a two-year process where the bones were buried in manure, and de-greased, one of these awe-inspiring animals is ready to be displayed at the ROM.
Partners
Supporting Sponsor: Newfoundland Labrador
Exhibit Patron: The Dorthy Strelsin Foundation
Media Partner: Toronto Star
Government Partner: Ontario 150
