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55 Years Later: Oregon's Infamous Exploding Whale Commemorated

11/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On November 12, 1970, Oregon officials used 20 cases of dynamite on a beached sperm whale, causing blubber to rain down.
KATU reporter Paul Linnman covered the chaotic event, which became infamous for its bungled outcome.
Now, 55 years later, Exploding Whale Memorial Park commemorates the incident, and the documentary Oh Whale reflects on its viral resurgence; it screens at Tomorrow Theater on November 12, 2025, with a second showing.

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Story summary

On November 12, 1970, Oregon officials used 20 cases of dynamite on a beached sperm whale, causing blubber to rain down.
KATU reporter Paul Linnman covered the chaotic event, which became infamous for its bungled outcome.
Now, 55 years later, Exploding Whale Memorial Park commemorates the incident, and the documentary Oh Whale reflects on its viral resurgence; it screens at Tomorrow Theater on November 12, 2025, with a second showing.