Feature Exhibit
Mysteries of the Deep: A Whale of a Tale
In 2015, a Cuvier’s beaked whale washed ashore on the island of SGang Gwaay in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conversation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site.
This type of whale lives deep in the bathypelagic zone, or midnight zone of the ocean, making it rarely seen by people.
Its remains were brought to Cetacea Lab on Salt Spring Island and its skeleton articulated in a deep dive position, a natural movement for the Cuvier beaked whale. Set against a hand-painted ocean mural, this exhibition reminds us there is much we don’t know about beaked whales, our oceans and their unique and complex ecosystems. It also reminds us that we all rely on the health of our waters to live.
This exhibition is a partnership between the Vancouver Maritime Museum and Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Reserve and Haida Heritage Site.