In 1972, a dead, 45-foot sperm whale washed ashore near Florence, Oregon. Due to its size and the remote location, officials decided the most expedient way to dispose of the carcass was to use dynamite. The resulting explosion scattered blubber and whale parts over a wide area, damaging nearby cars and creating a spectacle that became infamous. Rather than solving the problem, the explosion made the remains even more difficult to clean up, leaving a lingering stench and attracting scavengers. The event went viral before the internet age, becoming a cautionary tale of poorly planned solutions.
This meticulously documented narrative recounts the remarkable journey of a deceased cetacean, specifically a juvenile female sperm whale ( Physeter macrocephalus ), posthumously christened "Art" by the dedicated scientific community that oversaw her necropsy and subsequent skeletal articulation. The chronicle commences with the discovery of Art's lifeless form beached upon the shores of Dungeness Spit, Washington, on February 14th, 1997. The narrative elaborates upon the initial logistical challenges presented by the whale's considerable size and the imperative to conduct a thorough scientific examination before the inexorable forces of decomposition rendered such an endeavor impossible.
The account details the collaborative efforts of various institutions, including the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, the Cascadia Research Collective, and the dedicated volunteers from the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. These individuals worked tirelessly, against the backdrop of inclement weather conditions, to document the whale's physical characteristics, collect tissue samples for future research, and ultimately, prepare the massive carcass for transportation to a more suitable location for the necropsy.
The subsequent necropsy, performed by experienced marine mammalogists, provided invaluable insights into the whale's anatomy, physiology, and potential cause of death. The narrative meticulously describes the various stages of the necropsy, including the examination of internal organs, the collection of further samples, and the eventual determination that the young whale had likely succumbed to starvation, evidenced by a pronounced lack of blubber and an empty stomach.
Following the necropsy, the narrative shifts its focus to the painstaking process of preparing Art's skeletal remains for articulation and eventual display. This involved the meticulous removal of all remaining soft tissues, employing techniques ranging from traditional flensing to the utilization of dermestid beetles, nature's own bone-cleaning specialists. The account underscores the dedication and patience required for this arduous task, a process spanning several months.
Finally, the narrative culminates with the triumphant articulation of Art's skeleton, now a compelling educational exhibit housed at the Northwest Discovery Museum. This final stage involved the careful assembly of the meticulously cleaned and prepared bones, accurately recreating the whale's skeletal structure and offering a tangible testament to the awe-inspiring scale and complexity of these magnificent creatures. The narrative emphasizes the significance of Art's skeletal display, not only as a tribute to the whale itself but also as a valuable resource for public education and scientific research, inspiring future generations to appreciate and understand the wonders of the marine world.
Summary of Comments ( 3 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43399155
Hacker News users discussed the logistics and ethics of exhibiting a whale carcass, referencing the "Art the Whale" incident. Some commenters recalled seeing Art on tour and shared personal anecdotes. Others debated the educational value versus the potential disrespect of such displays, questioning whether a replica would have been a better option. Several users highlighted the smell, describing it as pervasive and unforgettable. There was also discussion of the difficulties in preserving such a large specimen and the eventual decay that necessitated its burial. A few commenters mentioned other instances of preserved animals, including a giant squid and Lenin's body, drawing comparisons to Art's preservation and display.
The Hacker News post titled "Art the Whale" links to an article detailing the story of a sperm whale that beached in 1970 and was subsequently filled with explosives and detonated by the Oregon Highway Division. The comments section on Hacker News contains a robust discussion with various perspectives on the incident.
Several commenters express disbelief and amusement at the absurdity of the situation, highlighting the sheer scale of the explosion and the unexpected consequences, such as the raining blubber described in the linked article. The ineffectiveness of the chosen method for disposal and the lack of foresight are recurring themes. Some users share anecdotes of seeing the footage on television or hearing stories about it, solidifying the event's place in somewhat morbid popular culture.
A recurring discussion point centers around the ecological impact of the explosion and the state of environmental consciousness in 1970. Some commenters argue that the decision, while seemingly absurd in retrospect, might have been the best option available at the time given limited resources and understanding of whale decomposition. Others counter that alternative solutions, such as burying the whale, should have been explored. This leads to a broader discussion about the evolution of environmental awareness and waste disposal methods over the past decades.
There's a thread exploring the physics of the explosion, with users discussing the properties of whale blubber and the dynamics of explosions. Some speculate on the amount of explosives used and the force generated, attempting to reconcile the descriptions in the article with their understanding of physics.
Some commenters delve into the history of explosives use in similar situations, sharing articles and links about other attempts to dispose of large carcasses with varying degrees of success. This provides context to the Oregon incident and highlights the challenges involved in dealing with such events.
A few users express morbid curiosity about the smell and the aftermath of the explosion, painting a vivid picture of the scene. Others simply express their astonishment and amusement at the sheer absurdity of the event, labeling it as a quintessential "Oregon story." The thread also sees some darkly humorous comments and puns related to the incident.
Finally, some commenters express skepticism about the story itself, questioning the details presented in the linked article and prompting others to provide corroborating evidence and additional sources. This healthy skepticism adds another layer to the discussion and reinforces the importance of verifying information.