Whale on the roof: Sandy's wild Journey to Jerusalem

For the first time in Israel, a giant skeleton of a common whale, restored over a year and a half at a cost of NIS 1.5M, was presented to the public at the Israel Aquarium in Jerusalem.

The skeleton, measuring about 17.5 meters long and weighing around 750 kg, was installed on the aquarium ceiling through a complex and precise process, in a new exhibition space that features interactive activities centered around marine mammals. The whale skeleton allows visitors to see each bone meticulously assembled in a complicated and intricate manner.

The story began in 2021 when a common whale carcass washed ashore at Nitzanim and was buried by the Machmali Association and the Nature and Parks Authority in the nearby dunes. In May 2023, a joint team from the Biblical Zoo, Israel Aquarium, and the Machmali Association set out to uncover the bones for display at the Israel Aquarium in Jerusalem.

The professional team worked for about a year and a half on restoring and reassembling the skeleton, a lengthy process that included cleaning the bones, locating any broken pieces, and reattaching them. During the restoration process, special adhesives used for preserving organic materials were employed. Upon completing the assembly, it was decided to suspend the skeleton in the air using steel cables in a large exhibition hall that features a viewing balcony dedicated to the whale, which has been named "Sandy."

The complex hanging design involved consulting experts from both Israel and abroad. As part of the hanging installation process, each bone in the skeleton was scanned using 3D technology to ensure that every part of the hanging apparatus matched the skeleton. The skeleton is anchored to the ceiling using thin stainless steel cables capable of supporting extremely heavy weights.

The Israel Aquarium noted that this project is part of its mission to raise awareness of marine habitats and the creatures in the seas and oceans. The story of the mysterious whale opens the door to a magical world of marine mammals that still exist in the Mediterranean Sea—whales, dolphins, and seals. The whale exhibit, now open to the public, is included in the entrance ticket to the Israel Aquarium, featuring explanations, guided tours, and interactive displays on the walls of the hall.

At the Israel Aquarium, there are about 6,000 aquatic animals from 160 species, including those from the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, and the Sea of Galilee. For those looking to complete the experience of the animal kingdom, they can continue not far from there to the Biblical Zoo, rich in displays of terrestrial animals against the mountainous backdrop of the Jerusalem hills.