34-Million-Year-Old Whale Skull Discovered in Alabama Could Represent a New Species, Fueling Paleontological Interest

A 34-million-year-old whale skull discovered in Monroe County, Alabama, by Lindsey Stallworth and her teacher, Drew Gentry, is sparking significant interest in paleontology. The discovery, made on Stallworth's family property, may represent a new species of whale. The skull, now housed at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science's paleontology lab, was found after Stallworth showed Gentry shark teeth from the same location. Excavation revealed a 4-foot-long skull and other bones, suggesting the whale was approximately 20 feet long. The age of the fossil was determined through geological surveys and analysis by experts like Jun Ebersole from the McWane Science Center. While it may be related to the Zygorhiza kochii species, further research is needed to confirm if it's a new species. Stallworth continues to work on cleaning and researching the skull, while Gentry emphasizes the discovery's potential for engaging students in paleontology.