Previously considered extinct for over 300 years, a single herd of bassalones was recently discovered and has been relocated to a protected reserve. With their stout, clumsy build, these remarkable mammals are most famous for their haunting mating calls and deep, earth-shaking roars. 

Legend has it that the bassalone’s calls inspired early humans to begin creating music, mimicking its resonant voice in their earliest instruments. The decline of the bassalone likely began within the last millennia, when hunters discovered unique acoustic properties of the bassalone’s chest cavity. With its magnificent natural resonance, the bassalone was the perfect amplifier for deep, rich tones. Many don’t realise that prior to the 18th century, string instruments were made from the bassalone’s body, leading to relentless hunting that eventually drove the species to extinction. As bassalone numbers declined, humans were forced to find alternatives – carving string instruments from wood, carefully mimicking the bassalone’s distinct shape and sound.

Due to the fragility of the bassalone herd, access to the reserve is highly restricted. On rare occasions, limited public visits are permitted under strict regulations. This is one such opportunity—an extremely rare chance to observe these creatures in their protected habitat.