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Digital 3D Vaquita Skeleton Released to Aid Conservation

6/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers digitized a 1966 female vaquita skeleton with hospital-grade and micro-CT scans, creating a full 3-D bone model.
Jamie Knaub of Florida Atlantic University led the effort with the San Diego Natural History Museum, SeaWorld California and NOAA Fisheries, releasing the dataset online.
The free model can make museum and classroom replicas, raising awareness as the WWF reports only seven to ten vaquitas remain, down from about 600 in 1997.

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Story summary

Researchers digitized a 1966 female vaquita skeleton with hospital-grade and micro-CT scans, creating a full 3-D bone model.
Jamie Knaub of Florida Atlantic University led the effort with the San Diego Natural History Museum, SeaWorld California and NOAA Fisheries, releasing the dataset online.
The free model can make museum and classroom replicas, raising awareness as the WWF reports only seven to ten vaquitas remain, down from about 600 in 1997.