The teeth are too valuable to be left behind: The dead whale’s jaw was removed to prevent theft.

The teeth are too valuable to be left behind: The dead whale’s jaw was removed to prevent theft

A dead sperm whale washed up on a beach in North Jutland. The cause of death is still unknown.

Here, the sperm whale’s jaw is cut free and prepared to be transported away to a secure location. Video: Morten Lerkenfeldt Sørensen - DR News. 11 minutes ago.

The massive 14-meter-long whale, which stranded near Ålbæk over the weekend, was moved away from the beach earlier today.

The Danish Nature Agency has placed the animal on a plot near Bunken Station close to the coast in Ålbæk, where it will be secured and prepared for examination over the coming days.

As part of this process, the jaw was cut off and transported away for storage in a safe location.

This is to prevent theft, as the teeth hold value.

"It’s not something I’ve done before. But it’s not exactly a pleasant task, we must admit," says forest ranger Søren Pedersen from the Danish Nature Agency in Vendsyssel.

The animal is in relatively good condition, with visible teeth around 5-6 centimeters long, but decomposition has already begun, and it can also be smelled as one approaches the giant.

"It’s an impressive set of teeth, I must say. It’s quite special," says Søren Pedersen.

The Danish Nature Agency informs that a team will cut open the animal on Thursday morning, take samples, and document its condition.

"It will be interesting to follow the work on Thursday and get some explanations about the story behind this animal."

The rest of the whale is expected to be removed by the end of Friday.

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"It’s fantastic to see such an animal"

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Right now, you can still get a close-up view of one of the ocean’s giants at Bunken Station.

One of those who was allowed to enjoy the sight of the whale while it was still intact is Erik Kræmer, who lives in the area.

"It’s had some scratches and marks after a long life, no doubt. It’s a beautiful animal."

This is not the first time Erik Kræmer has seen a whale wash up on land. But it’s been many years, and it’s still a remarkable sight today, he says.

"It’s truly fantastic to see such an animal, which you otherwise only see on television."

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