Whales: Giants of the Deep at Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Did you know that whales evolved from hoofed animals like pigs and cows? And that DNA evidence actually even shows that hippos are the closest living relatives of whales? They are mammals that moved from land to sea about 50 million years ago. Tails replaced legs. Forearms became flippers. And nostrils evolved into blowholes. Their limbs and circulatory system adapted to life underwater about 50 million years ago and developed a streamlined shape. Some can even swim up to 30 miles per hour.
All of these fascinating facts can be learned at “Whales: Giants of the Deep” at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Put their size into perspective by standing next to the skeleton of two sperm whales that anchor the exhibition. A near 59-foot male sperm whale towers next to a 32-foot female species. Scientists believe she was chased to shore by killer whales because she was found with marks on her head and tooth marks on her body.
Other parts of the exhibit break down how echolocation works for whales to communicate and prey. Another showcases the actual size of a whale’s heart. You can even crawl through it- making this fun for kids and kids at heart. A whale’s heart can weight up to 1,400 pounds and small child can crawl through the whale’s largest blood vessel. Other casts show the similarities between flippers of dolphins and humpback whales to that of a human hand. Learn about the change in attitude from once killing whales hundreds at a time to animal conversation groups working to preserve them. During the 20th century, whale hunters killed 350,000 blue whales. Today there are only about 2,000 left on the planet. This number is daunting but also shows that groups are fighting for their conversation.
The exhibit fulfills curiosity but nothing could fully cure it. Learn how sperm whales can hold their breath for at least 80 minutes 6,500 feet below the earth’s surface. A human record is 269 feet for a total of 3 minutes and 9 seconds. These are animals with so much grace and intelligence and full of mystery. See for yourself.
Details:
2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
Whales (Included with Museum Admission):
Runs Through February 16, 2015
