A fin whale that died in Denmark in June 2010 was nearly 140 years old, scientists have discovered.
The 50-foot whale died in Vejle Fjord over the summer, and was initially thought to be a juvenile. According to news reports, Scientists at the Natural History Museum of Denmark have analyzed the whales' organs and skeleton and determined the whales' approximate age. The oldest known fin whale discovered until now was 114 years old.
Fin whales are the second-largest whale species, and can grow to about 88 feet. According to the International Whaling Commission, studies on the earplugs of fin whales (which add layers as the whale ages) have shows they can live at least 90 years.
The bowhead whale, another baleen whale species, is thought to be one of the longest-living whale species. Some scientists think bowheads can live up to 200 years. One whale, killed by whalers in 2007, had a harpoon fragment in it that dated back 130 years. More recent whale aging work revolves around studying aspartic acid in the whale's eye.
Learn More:
- Fin Whale Profile
- Vejle Whale Over a Century Old (Copenhagen Post)
Image: Fin whale / Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation
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