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NEWS FROM ISTANBUL AKVARYUM

NEWS FROM ISTANBUL AKVARYUM

Giant Whale Skeletons Meet Visitors at Istanbul Akvaryum calendar_month 29.09.2025

Turkey’s national aquarium, Istanbul Akvaryum, in collaboration with the Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TÜDAV), has unveiled its new exhibition “Giants of the Ocean.” The exhibition brings together visitors with the skeletons of a giant sperm whale, fin whale, and Mediterranean monk seal—marine mammals that were found stranded along Turkey’s coasts by TÜDAV experts, carefully preserved for years, and now restored and displayed for the first time at Istanbul Akvaryum.

Pollution, ghost nets, noise, habitat loss, climate change, and plastic waste pose major threats to marine mammals. The 16-meter sperm whale found on the shores of Kumluca (Antalya), the 10.5-meter-long, 3.26-ton fin whale discovered in Yumurtalık (Adana), and the Mediterranean monk seal stranded on the coast of Çeşme (İzmir) were all meticulously transferred to Istanbul by TÜDAV to be turned into museum materials. The massive whale skeletons, consisting of hundreds of bones, were carefully assembled over several months by a team of specialists.
Jointly prepared by Istanbul Akvaryum and TÜDAV, the “Giants of the Ocean” exhibition features a comprehensive scientific collection combined with an educational focus, offering visitors both an impressive visual and an informative experience.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition, which sheds light on Turkey’s marine heritage, was attended by Fahrettin Ulu, Regional Director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Prof. Dr. Bayram Öztürk, President of TÜDAV, Dilek Çapanoğlu, General Manager of Istanbul Akvaryum, and several distinguished guests and experts. Visitors showed great interest in the event, having the rare opportunity to closely observe the skeletons of the ocean’s most majestic creatures.

Through the “Giants of the Ocean” exhibition, visitors can explore the skeletons of sperm whales, fin whales, and monk seals, gaining deeper insight into these extraordinary species. The exhibition also aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. Being the first exhibition of its kind in Turkey, it promises to inspire visitors of all ages—from children to adults.

Prof. Dr. Bayram Öztürk stated in his speech:

“Our efforts to protect whales and seals—vital components of Turkey’s marine biodiversity—are ongoing. The preservation and recovery of stranded marine mammals are among the main objectives of our foundation. Many people living along our coasts are unaware that whales live, feed, and sometimes strand in our seas. Therefore, I believe this exhibition will play an important role in raising awareness about the conservation and recognition of these ocean giants. We have been building this unique collection for over 20 years, and I hope everyone has the chance to see it here—because there is nowhere else like it, and no other material of this kind exists. Our foundation is committed to protecting marine life and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.”
Dr. Ayaka Amaha Öztürk, the scientific consultant of the exhibition, said:

“It’s rare to see these magnificent animals in the wild. At least here, we can witness their skeletons, their sheer size, and their uniqueness. I hope this collection inspires visitors and reminds all of us that we share this planet and its oceans with these creatures—and that we must protect them.”
Dilek Çapanoğlu, General Manager of Istanbul Akvaryum, emphasized the importance of the exhibition, stating:

“As Turkey’s national aquarium, we continuously strive to raise awareness about marine life and environmental conservation. With our ‘Giants of the Ocean’ exhibition, we aim to offer visitors a truly unique experience while reminding everyone how crucial it is to protect our oceans. We are proud and delighted to have realized this project together with TÜDAV.”

 


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