Giants of the deep: a unique blend of science and storytelling helps museumgoers explore the amazing world of whales.

• Position: Ecology - Whales: Giants of the Deep

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FOR CENTURIES, whales have captured our imaginations and ignited our emotions. We have revered them, made them the subject of myth, hunted them to the brink of extinction, and, passionately protected the,

"Whales: Giants of the Deep explores these fascinating creatures by showcasing fully articulated whale skeletons, hands-on activities, dramatic videos, and the latest findings in whale biology and evolution. The exhibition also highlights how whales have influenced the lives of the indigenous peoples of the South Pacific. On display is a storehouse of treasures carved with whale-like images and filled with stunning adornments and deadly weapons made of whale bone and teeth from places such as New Zealand and Fiji.

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The complex relationship between whales and the people of the South Pacific is a theme that runs throughout the exhibition. Through videos and text panels, visitors will meet people whose lives have been inextricably linked with whales, from legendary whale riders to scientists and former whaling families. Make no mistake, though, whales are the stars of the show. Two fully articulated sperm whale skeletons (male and female) measure more than 58 and 38 feet in length, respectively. A model of the heart of a blue whale is so large--The size of a Volkswagen Beetle--children can climb through it. Interesting facts are sprinkled throughout "Whales": a whale's tongue can weigh more than an elephant; gray whales migrate 12,000 miles each year, blue whales are the same size as a 737 jetliner.

Models of ancient extinct animals show how land-dwelling mammals evolved over millions of years to become the whales and dolphins we know today. Sounds of whales can be heard and compared--some of these giants communicate with "songs" and others use echolocation to navigate and hunt.

"Whales" also explores the changing attitudes from the history of whaling to modem ecotourism, examines different species of whales, details how they swim, feed, and mate, and why they sometimes strand themselves on land. Detailed as well am today's conservation efforts and how factors such as pollution and climate change impact whales and their habitats.

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"Whales: Giants of the Deep" is on view through Jan. 16, 2012, at The Field Museum, Chicago, Ill.

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ONE WHALE OF A CREATURE

"Whales: Giants of the Deep" is comprehensive and rich in content. The following walk-through gives detailed information...