A set of prehistoric whale remains has been found in Whale Valley in Fayoum, writes Mahmoud Bakr An Egyptian team has discovered a large number of prehistoric whale remains just north of Lake Qaroun in Fayoum south of Cairo. One of the whale skeletons is smaller than a basilosaurus, but bigger than a dorudon atrox, scientists say, making reference to the remains of other now extinct whale species already found in the vicinity. The most interesting skeleton of those found, believed to be some 40-45 million years old, is characterised by its remarkably long vertebrae. The skull and the lower jaw of the skeleton have also been found intact, as have several ribs and some 20 vertebrae. Scientists have also found 10 vertebrae from a whale slightly larger than a dorudon atrox, and they are now investigating whether the bones belong to a new species. Part of a dorudon atrox has also been uncovered, consisting of 15 vertebrae and a few ribs, as have several other partial skeletons of the same type, containing a total of 20 vertebrae, all in a well-preserved condition. Whale teeth discovered nearby are being fitted inside gypsum encasements in preparation for display to the public. A partial skeleton of a dorudon atrox, containing 10 vertebrae and some ribs, has been found arranged in a circle during the excavations, with, inside the circle, the vertebrae of a small whale and some small ribs, suggesting the possibility of a pregnant whale and embryo. If this turns out to be the case, this would be the first such remains of a pregnant whale found in what has been dubbed Whale Valley in Fayoum. About 22 sea lion vertebrae have also been located near Lake Qaroun, as well as a well- preserved crocodile skeleton and the remains of a basilosaurus. The area in which the remains were found, just north of Lake Qaroun, is a natural extension of Whale Valley. The dry depressions it contains used to be marshland in pre-historic times, and Stone Age hunters preying on marsh animals have left behind them arrowheads, blades, knives and grinders. The team responsible for the finds is now continuing its search for other animal and human remains in a 10km stretch of land running from Yellow Island to Brown Mountain in Fayoum. Meanwhile, the Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs has received a model whale skeleton made at the University of Michigan in the United States. The model, of a 20m-long basilosaurus, an ancient type of whale that could walk on land like a lizard, will be placed in a museum that is currently under construction, remaining there until the real skeleton is returned to Egypt. Scientists in Michigan are currently examining the original skeleton, and the model was released from customs after the authorities waived duties on the shipment. The skeleton is due to be returned to Egypt in three months' time, once the research work is complete.
