ob said:
These are three pictures that were released: I fear the formaldehyde has taken a bit of a toll here, when comparing the current status of this particular beasty to the impressive pic in Dub Doctor's earlier post...
Judging by the chap wearing the full formaldehyde respirator mask, and the general layout of the room, I would say that that picture was taken quite early on, probably not too long after the squid was entered into the tank, and well before the exhibit was opened to the public.
I don't think there is any 'decomposition' going on - what I am seeing there is pretty standard for a preserved specimen. Have they suspended it from the tank floor (anyone that has seen it), or is it resting as depicted in those pics?
I have yet to hear back from Gunther re the plastinated squid (I have heard nothing for a very long time), so I don't know how that is progressing.
In all honesty, a dead squid will always be a dead squid, but it will be the closest you'll ever get to this animal until such a time as we develop 'Squid Zoo' ... where you can go and see live animals, watch the keepers feed them sperm whales, submersibles and divers and watch them chomp them to bits
, and park a double-decker bus outside for scale.
What they have done is mighty impressive .... and looking at that tank and stand, MIGHTY expensive!!!
Donations sought now for establishing 'Squid Zoo'.