Humpback Whale Skull, Dolphin and Seals Skeletons (hanging above)

Many different whale and seal species inhabit New York’s marine waters, including humpback, fin, and right whales; harbor and gray seals; bottlenose dolphins; and harbor porpoises. The whale skull on display is from a juvenile humpback whale. Adult humpbacks can grow to over 50 feet long and weigh over 80,000 pounds. 

NYSM ZM-13660 (skull)

Guiding Questions:

  • What do you think a humpback whale eats?
  • Can a humpback whale chew its food?
  • In what ways are the dolphin and the seal similar and different?

Learn more about how humans used whales in the past:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tXqdVVdNVk

Have whales ever visited Albany?
Go to http://digitalcollections.archives.nysed.gov/index.php/Detail/objects/18959 to find out.

 

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