23M049 Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab: 60 Minutes with the Cetacean and Sea Turtle Skeleton

Cetaceans and sea turtles are believed to be good sentinels for ocean and human health given their many unique natural attributes. Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab study these aquatic animals as part of a multi-pronged effort to understand their lives and deaths. Our team collects and catalogues the bones of the stranded cetaceans and sea turtles, which allows us to determine subtle differences between populations and abnormalities and pathologies among individuals. This workshop allows participants to learn the cetacean and sea turtle anatomy, biological health and even health conditions through assembling the cetacean and sea turtle skeletal specimen. Our team will also introduce the 3D surface scanning in the workshop, a forensic technique to document external condition of a carcass or an inflicting tool. Participants could understand more about these valuable aquatic animals through various angles. Fans of cetaceans and sea turtles should not miss this valuable chance!