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Wal & Fisch – Gentle Giants of the Seas

Name: Wal & Fisch – Gentle Giants of the Seas
Start: 2024-02-06T00:00:00+01:00
End: 2031-01-01T23:59:00+01:00
Location: Augustinergasse 2, 4051 Basel, Switzerland

Augustinergasse 2, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Basel, Switzerland
Tue, February 6, 2024 - January 1, 2031 (12:00 am - 11:59 pm)

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Description

The permanent exhibition "Wal & Fisch" not only offers a fantastic view over the rooftops of Basel, but it especially shines with the effective display of a Minke whale skeleton. This skeleton was stored for forty years in the basement of the collection before finding its way to the exhibition. Another highlight is the realistic reproduction of a 6.8-meter-long python and its original skeleton. Whales need space, even if they are "only" small rorquals measuring 9 meters in length. Our room dedicated to the small rorqual, also known as the Minke whale, allows you to closely discover the dimensions of the largest mammals on our planet. The skeleton comes from a Northern Minke whale and was acquired by the Basel Natural History Museum in 1873. Thanks to the support of the Friends of the Natural History Museum association, it has been staged in a new and impressive way. Atlantic Minke whales can be found in all oceans of the Northern Hemisphere. However, due to heavy hunting, this gentle-tempered animal is highly threatened. Although Minke whales have been protected since 1986 by an international agreement, they continue to be hunted. Since the agreement came into effect, about 20,000 specimens of these beautiful giants of the seas have been killed. An overview of native fish, frogs, and reptiles is presented in the back part of the exhibition. Their way of life is also addressed, as well as the influence of humans. The life-size models are particularly interesting. The central object, the mold and skeleton of a large reticulated python, watches over the middle of the room.

Highlights

Features a Minke whale skeleton on display
Includes a life-size reproduction of a 6.8-meter-long python
Explores the impact of human activity on marine life

General Information

The "Wal & Fisch" exhibition at the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel showcases a Minke whale skeleton and various marine life models. It highlights the ecological significance of these gentle giants and addresses the threats they face due to human activities.