3D model of a Steller’s Sea Cow (NHMW-ZOO-MAMM-614)

3D scan of one of the 27 existing skeletons of the extinct Steller’s sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas) worldwide. Steller’s sea cow was up to 8 meters long, weighted about 4 tons and lived in the Northern Pacific. They were very social, gregarious animals who came to the aid of injured members of their species, which – combined with their site fidelity and their slow rate of reproduction – was a significant factor of their rapid elimination just 27 years after their discovery in 1741. This almost complete specimen at the NHMW is the only one with preserved pelvic bones. In all the preserved skeletons the bones of the hand (manus) are missing. Closely related species have reduced finger bones (phalanges) so it is possible that the Steller’s sea cow did not have a manus at all.