The skeleton of a young female orca found dead after it became lost and ill in the Seine river (France) is set to become part of the collection of the French National Natural History Museum in Paris. It will be their first full skeleton of the Orcinus orca species.
The orca’s story was closely followed around the globe. It was first spotted in mid-May but within weeks had moved much further inland and soon started showing signs of suffering and a fungal disease. However, It is not clear yet if the orca contracted the fungal infection and fell ill prior to or during its journey down the Seine but initial necropsy results confirmed its last meal dated prior to its arrival in the river and therefore in all probability, died of starvation. There were plans to euthanise the whale to prevent further suffering, but its emaciated body was found drifting in the river. What is of further concern however is that during the necropsy a bullet was found lodged at the base of the animal’s skull but when it actually penetrated the animal’s body cannot be confirmed. Further investigation is underway.
The skeleton will not be on display to the public but only scientists will have access to it.
