How to make a skeleton specimen out of limp cartilage?

　The megamouth shark found was a female, measuring in body length at 5.4m and weighing 1.2 tons. What was the best way to present this precious shark to the world? After researching, marine biologists at Kamogawa Sea World concluded that the best method was to make a "skeleton specimen.”

　There were already a few formalin specimens and taxidermic specimens of megamouth sharks, but skeleton specimens were said to be impossible to create because the shark's bones are extremely soft compared to other cartilaginous fishes. In addition, it was considered extremely difficult due to the immense size of the body.

　"But if you really manage to make it, it will become an invaluable resource. The movements of the creature can be understood by analyzing the bones. If you look at a skeleton, you can easily picture the animal's movement. I thought this was worth the challenge," said Mr. Osawa. >

　With this mindset, the unprecedented challenge of creating a skeleton specimen out of cartilage was undertaken in collaboration with a global shark researcher, Dr. Kazuhiro Nakaya.