De Panne (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Duinpanne visitor centre in De Panne unveils the skeleton of orca Reveil, which washed up on the Belgian coast, highlighting marine conservation efforts.
Nearly two years ago, that male animal washed up on a section of beach between Koksijde and De Panne. Following a discussion between the two municipalities, the decision was made to send the skeleton to De Panne, Belgium for further investigation.
Orca Reveil—or at least his skeleton—has returned to De Panne. In October 2023, the animal washed up on our shores. The orca had been sighted a couple of times off the shore just prior to that, but he died.
For a long time, there was debate about what would happen to the animal’s skeleton. Due to the fact that it had washed ashore on the De Panne and Koksijde border, both municipalities were eligible to display the remains.
The skeleton has been prepared and the orca has undergone additional examination during the last year and a half. It is currently on display at the Duinpanne visitor center due to De Panne.
Provincial executive Jurgen Vanlerberghe (Vooruit), who attended the unveiling of the skeleton this morning, hopes that the orca will attract extra visitors to Duinpanne.
“There is a beautiful, appropriate exhibition here about ecology and the importance of the ocean, called Sea Change. With the exhibition we want to motivate people to take good care of the plants and animals in the sea.”
“That ecosystem also has direct consequences for our ecosystem and for our health. It is important that we can convey that message to as many people as possible and hopefully the interest in orca Reveil will contribute to that, it is said.”
An orca on the coast of Belgium is very remarkable. That one washed ashore on our shores some 175 years ago, according to Reveil.
What research was conducted before deciding on the skeleton’s location?
The remains of orca Reveil were subjected to scientific study before the final site was determined. In order to learn more about the animal’s health, cause of death, age, and any illnesses or injuries it may have had, osteological analysis—the study of bones—is usually used.
When important skeletal remains are found, such studies are routine because they yield important biological and ecological information.
The skeleton would have been examined under a microscope to determine its condition, check for indications of illness, trauma, or environmental influences, and make sure it was properly preserved for exhibition.
The towns of De Panne and Koksijde only agreed that the skeleton would be shown in De Panne for public viewing once this study was finished and the scientific significance of the skeleton was confirmed.
