Hong Kong’s beloved marine artifact, the fin whale skeleton at Cape D’Aguilar, has been successfully reinstated following years of damage and conservation efforts. After the original bones suffered terminal degradation and a short-lived 3D-printed interim, a meticulously crafted replica now occupies the familiar coastal perch outside the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS). This installation ensures that future generations can continue to engage with a poignant piece of the city’s natural and historical landscape, despite the shift from authentic remains to an engineered substitute.

The Legacy of “Hong Kong’s Whale”

The history of the Cape D’Aguilar skeleton dates back to 1955, when a stranded two-month-old fin whale calf swam into Victoria Harbour. Sadly, the infant whale was severely malnourished and struggling, leading authorities to humanely euthanize it. The remains, however, were preserved by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and, in 1991, placed on public display at Cape D’Aguilar, quickly becoming an essential landmark for school trips and local residents.

For three decades, this coastal exhibition endured the harsh environment. Exposure to corrosive sea spray, relentless winds, and ultraviolet radiation gradually weakened the irreplaceable structure. The final blow came in 2018 with Super Typhoon Mangkhut, which inflicted severe, irreparable damage. The intense storm fractured the supportive framework, cracked ribs, displaced the lower jaw, and ultimately caused a hip bone to be swept away.

Conservation Decision Leads to Replication

Recognizing the fragility of the genuine bones, SWIMS decided in 2021 to remove the severely compromised skeleton from public view. The original remains were subsequently transferred to HKU’s biodiversity collection for permanent preservation, concluding its outdoor display era.

The decision to install a replica was driven by the desire to maintain the site’s historical function and public appeal. An initial attempt in 2023 involved a 3D-printed model, but the material proved inadequate for the coastal climate, deteriorating rapidly and failing within a year.

SWIMS then commissioned experts specializing in skeletal displays. They provided detailed scans of the original bones to a manufacturing company in Sichuan, China, which meticulously fabricated the durable, new replacement. The completed replica arrived, and the SWIMS team successfully unveiled the new installation earlier this month, permanently stationed by the rocky shoreline where the original once stood.

A New Era for a Familiar Sight

While the replacement marks a necessary compromise between conservation and public access, the unveiling underscores the institution’s commitment to maintaining this important cultural touchstone. Although visitors are now viewing a high-fidelity copy rather than the original 1955 bones, the presence of the display continues the tradition of honoring this unique piece of Hong Kong’s marine history.

Visitors should note a common factual inaccuracy: the skeleton is sometimes incorrectly labeled online as the “Bones of Miss Willy.” SWIMS research confirms that “Miss Willy” was, in fact, a killer whale that passed away at Ocean Park in the 1980s. The misconception likely arose because the fin whale skeleton’s public debut closely followed the publicized death of the killer whale, leading to a enduring misidentification.

This durable replica now ensures that one of Hong Kong’s most memorable and photographed landmarks remains accessible, preserving the visual legacy for future generations visiting the dramatic coastal reserve.