A Blue Whale Skeleton Takes Dippy’s Place In The Natural History Museum

The central entrance hall of the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London, Great Britain has long since been the home of “Dippy”, the Diplodocus dinosaur. However, he was recently replaced by a blue whale skeleton, as Dippy will also be leaving on tour across the British nation.

The new central exhibit, which was named “Hope”, was installed with the purpose of drawing attention to the environment and its disappearing species.

A real thrill to meet Hope the #BlueWhale this morning at @NHM_London and welcome her to Exhibition Road #TeamWhale ?https://t.co/YKGoMO2ltQ pic.twitter.com/q9M2Fxj9Y8

— Science Museum (@sciencemuseum) July 14, 2017

 

Hope, the Blue Whale Skeleton, and its Mission

According to reports, the blue whale skeleton got its name based on the scientists hope and recognition of the role science can play in safeguarding and protecting the environment. The massive creature was suspended and is seemingly flying over the atrium.

“It is our hope for the future that we can use good science and good evidence to make the right kind of decisions about these big environmental issues,” states Michael Dixon, the NHM’s director.

The skeleton, which is 82 feet, comes from a blue whale which died off the coast of Ireland in 1891. NHM acquired the specimen and has had on display in the mammal section since 1934. Here, however, it failed to catch the eye. It was suspended as well, but over another whale, which tended to gain more attention.

Hope began being displayed in the museum’s central atrium on July 13. Dippy was a Diplodocus dinosaur cast in plaster. It resided in the entryway of the NHM for decades and gained an iconic status.

The fact that it got replaced with a blue whale skeleton did not bode well with some of the museum’s visitor. However, Dippy is not retiring but instead touring the country. Over the next two years and a half, it will stop in eight locations in the United Kingdom.

According to reports, the museum considers that a formerly live specimen will help more attention to current environmental issues than a replica. Hope will hopefully draw attention to the need to study, monitor, and conserve the planet.

Our countdown to #HintzeHall is nearly over so it’s time to unveil Hope the #BlueWhale as the latest member of the global #MuseumWhales pod! pic.twitter.com/1kv0cbxvBc

— NaturalHistoryMuseum (@NHM_London) July 13, 2017

 

Image Source: Wikimedia