Rice’s Whale: Shard

A plate of baleen (left) and a plastic shard (right) found in the gut of the first Rice’s whale to be scientifically described.

An exhibit case featuring these objects will go on display in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History Sant Ocean Hall Wednesday, Nov. 15, the day before the museum hosts a scientific symposium focused on the recently identified and endangered Rice’s whale, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act and other large whale conservation efforts. The event is being held in partnership with NOAA Fisheries and the Marine Mammal Commission.