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Whitby's Iconic Whale Bone Arch Faces Replacement Dilemma
5 Dec
Summary
- Replacing Whitby's 170-year-old whale bone arch faces ethical and logistical hurdles.
- Sourcing new bones from Alaska involves remote Arctic locations and import permissions.
- Ethical concerns over endangered species and social acceptance favor replica bones.
Whitby's iconic Whale Bone Arch, a beloved landmark on West Cliff for more than 170 years, is confronting substantial obstacles regarding its replacement. The current structure, last renewed in 2002, is deteriorating, necessitating urgent action from local authorities. However, the path forward is complicated by a complex web of logistical and ethical considerations.
Procuring new bones, potentially from Whitby's twin town in Alaska, involves significant challenges. These include reaching bones in remote Arctic locations, obtaining necessary permissions for their recovery and transport, and navigating international regulations like CITES, which protects the species. The process of importing the bones to the UK also presents a major hurdle.
Beyond the logistical complexities, ethical questions loom large. With increasing global concern over hunting and the conservation of endangered species, the display of real bones is becoming less socially acceptable. Consequently, Whitby Town Council is now considering alternatives, such as using imitation whale bones, which might be a more fitting and ethically sound solution for the future of this cherished landmark.
