26-million-year-old whale discovered and scientists say it resembles a Pokemon

A 26-million-year-old fossil found on the coast of Victoria, Australia, has been identified as a previously unknown whale species and researchers say it bears an uncanny resemblance to a Pokemon.

The fossil, discovered in 2019 by a school principal, includes part of a skull with ear bones and teeth. In a new study published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, paleontologists have officially named the Pokemon-looking species Janjucetus dullardi.

Unlike today’s massive, filter-feeding whales, Janjucetus dullardi was small enough to fit on a bed, growing to just 10 feet in length. It was a fierce, yet cartoon-looking predator with a short snout, huge eyes the size of tennis balls, and razor-sharp teeth, patrolling warm, shallow seas for prey around what is now Victoria.

“It might have looked like some weird kind of mash-up between a whale, a seal and a Pokemon,” said Erich Fitzgerald, senior curator at Museums Victoria Research Institute and one of the paper’s authors, “But they were very much their own thing.”

Pokemon-looking ancient whale discovered

The fossil was discovered by local resident Ross Dullard while fossil hunting at Jan Juc Beach, part of the fossil-rich Jan Juc Formation, now recognized as an international hotspot for studying early whale evolution. Recognizing its significance, Dullard donated it to Museums Victoria, where it helped unlock new insights into whale ancestry.

“The findings demonstrate the power of our collections to unlock stories that change the way we understand life on Earth,” said Lynley Crosswell, CEO and Director of Museums Victoria. “Discoveries like Janjucetus dullardi remind us that our collections are not just about the past – they’re shaping the future of science.”

For Dullard, a school principal, the confirmation of the species has been life-changing. “It’s literally been the greatest 24 hours of my life,” he said. Returning to work after the announcement, he was greeted with “high fives coming left, right and center.”

He’s even planning a “fossil party” this weekend, complete with cetacean-themed games and whale-shaped jello treats, to celebrate what he calls his “nightmare Muppet” find. “That’s taken my concentration for six years,” he said. “I’ve had sleepless nights. I’ve dreamt about this whale.”