Police launch investigation into theft of whale jawbone
DR-Inland in Denmark
Monday, February 09, 2026 • 5:27 PM UTC - in Denmark
Police in South and North Jutland have today launched an investigation into the theft of the jawbone from the dead sperm whale that stranded near BlĂĄvandshuk Lighthouse, close to Esbjerg, on Friday.
As previously confirmed by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and the Fisheries and Maritime Museum, a piece of the whale’s jawbone was stolen over the weekend. The whale’s teeth are valuable because they are made of ivory.
The investigation was initiated because the theft could constitute a violation of the Washington Convention, which protects wild animals.
“For now, the whale was most likely driven ashore with its jawbone intact. However, a piece is now missing, and we are investigating this,” says Vice Police Inspector Kent Brynilsen.
Police are investigating the theft as it may violate the Washington Convention, which safeguards wildlife.
“The whale belongs to the state until further notice. It lies on a public beach, and now something is missing—so it’s a case of theft. Whether it violates the Washington Convention or not, the investigation will determine,” he states.
Police are seeking witnesses who may have seen one or more individuals in the area between Saturday at 2:00 PM and Sunday at 3:00 PM, potentially transporting parts of the jawbone.
However, since the whale is located over a kilometer from the shore but exposed due to low tide, police are still unclear on how the perpetrators moved the jawbone.
“It’s hard for me to imagine how someone could have driven out there, but I can’t rule it out entirely. I think someone was out in daylight and stole parts of this jawbone,” says Kent Brynilsen.
The Environmental Protection Agency has previously urged citizens to keep their distance from the area where the whale stranded, partly due to potential diseases, the risk of the whale exploding, and dangerous tides.
Police reiterate this advice.
If citizens have any information regarding the case, they can contact police at 114.
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