Drigg the whale was found tragically stranded on a beach near Drigg, West Cumbria in 2014 and was recovered by an expedition for the Museum. Drigg is thought to be a sei whale, which is one of the largest baleen whales.

Sei whales are an endangered species and are a very rare visitor to the UK, particularly Cumbria.

A public appeal was launched earlier this year to ask people to “Name the Whale” and donate £1. The most popular name chosen was Drigg, although also goes by ‘Driggsby!’

Drigg is now at Tullie House and is currently in the process of being cleaned.

Why is Drigg the Whale Important?

This project will create an iconic landmark for Carlisle, and will certainly ‘Wow’ all the visitors!

By having Drigg on display we can reflect the rich coastal heritage of Cumbria and also educate people of all ages about the natural environment.

The £50,000 needed for the project will be used to have specialist cleaning done, reproduce the missing pieces, and display the skeleton in the museum.