Director's Bold Plan Rescues Stranded Whale for Museum

A young fin whale's 47ft carcass washed ashore near downtown Anchorage last winter, freezing to the tidal flats and presenting a significant challenge. For months, the whale's presence captivated locals and baffled officials, as bureaucratic processes struggled to determine a course of action. The sheer scale of the whale and the logistical hurdles made conventional disposal methods difficult.

Amidst this stalemate, James Grogan, a retired air force pilot and director of a struggling museum, devised an ambitious plan. Driven by a desire to engage the community and preserve the whale's educational value, Grogan sought permission to harvest its skeleton. After navigating complex regulations and enlisting volunteers, he undertook a weeks-long, physically demanding operation to extract the bones from the treacherous mudflats.

Grogan's undertaking, though fraught with challenges like freezing temperatures and difficult terrain, ultimately succeeded in bringing the whale's remains to his museum. He believes the whale's intricate design reinforces his faith in a Creator, challenging evolutionary theories. The salvaged skeleton is undergoing maceration and is intended to become a centerpiece exhibit, symbolizing Alaska's historical connection to marine industries and promoting whale conservation.