SHOTLIST: MERSIN, TÜRKİYE (OCT. 7, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL) 1. VARIOUS OF DRONE SHOTS OF EXCAVATION WORK BEING CARRIED OUT TO UNEARTH FIN WHALE SKELETON 2. VARIOUS OF DETAILS FROM FIN WHALE SKELETON / MERSIN GOVERNOR ATILLA TOROS JOINING EXCAVATION WORK 3. MERSIN GOVERNOR ATILLA TOROS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS (Turkish) 4. TOROS JOINING EXCAVATION WORK 5. TOROS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS (Turkish) 6. CLOSE SHOT OF FIN WHALE SKELETON 7. TOROS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS (Turkish) 8. TOROS JOINING EXCAVATION WORK 9. RECTOR OF MERSIN UNIVERSITY, PROF. DR. EROL YASA SEPAKING TO REPORTER (Turkish) 10. DETAILS FROM EXCAVATION WORK (TWO SHOTS) 11. FACULTY MEMBER OF FISHERIES TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT AT MERSIN UNIVERSITY, PROF. DR. DENIZ AYAS, SPEAKING TO REPORTER (Turkish)MERSIN, TÜRKİYE - OCT. 7, 2025: Excavation work is ongoing to recover the 14-meter fin whale skeleton that was buried in 2021 after washing ashore in the southern Turkish province of Mersin. The effort is part of a scientific project led by Mersin University, drawing interest from researchers and conservationists alike. The “Silence of the Whale Turns into Science” project, conducted by Mersin University Faculty of Fisheries, aims to unearth and preserve the skeleton for future research and exhibition. The whale was buried four years ago in the garden of Mersin University’s Yenisehir Campus to allow for natural decomposition before study. Excavation led by Prof. Dr. Deniz Ayas from the Fisheries Technology Department is currently underway. Mersin Governor Atilla Toros, who visited the site, called the project a significant scientific and educational effort, with nearly 400 students registered to participate. He emphasized that the recovered skeleton will be displayed at the university’s Marine Life Museum, contributing to both research and public awareness. Toros praised Mersin’s rich history and biodiversity, highlighting the importance of preserving this heritage. Prof. Ayas reported that the head, neck, and chest of the skeleton have been unearthed, with the lumbar and tail vertebrae still buried. The team aims to complete extraction within two days for museum display.