On 31 July 2025, scientists suddenly discover something astonishing. In 1986, they discovered a nearly perfect, fossilized skeleton of a medium-sized porpoise—12 million years old and nearly the entire Ocucaje desert in Peru’s southern Pisco Basin. This major discovery is located some 350 kilometers south of Peru’s capital Lima. It offers a window into the evolutionary history of marine life, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the behaviors and ecosystems of ancient sea creatures.
Paleontologist Mario Urbina was the field director for the excavation team which unearthed the 3.5-meter (approx. 11.5 feet) long skeleton. This fossil, named P. pacificus, is much older than modern porpoises and is its ancestor. In a different context, it’s one of the best-preserved examples found in the area. The fossil’s remarkable preservation gives researchers a unique opportunity to explore the porpoise’s life. For the first time, they can explore its migratory routes, locomotive style, trophic interactions, and functional ecology.
Discovery and Location
Even beyond its paleontological attractions, the Ocucaje desert is a magnet for adventurers and thrill-seekers the world over. It is home to a prodigious collection of fossil Miocene fauna. This dry area has a long history of producing paleontological discoveries, including four-legged dwarf whales, land-going dolphins, and new genera of sharks. The special geological circumstances of the Ocucaje desert have exceptionally preserved these fossils. All of these factors together are what make the area an absolutely priceless location for paleontological studies.
Concesionarios Mario Urbina shared his joy of finding the piece. He added that it complements the East Coast’s overall fossil record, particularly for the Mesozoic era — a period crucial in understanding the evolution of all marine life. This remarkable find underscores the importance of continued research in Alberta’s fossil-rich badlands. Further research may offer further insight into how well-connected ancient marine ecosystems were.
Unveiling and Implications
On September 17, 2025, the fossil was officially unveiled at the Geological, Mining, and Metallurgical Institute (INGEMMET) in Lima. On the day of the premiere, the event drew both a scientific and popular audience, all excited to learn more about this ancient super predator. As lead researchers stressed, studying this fossil will provide never before available opportunities. Most importantly, it will allow us to study how porpoises specifically adapted to their environment millions of years ago.
The fossil’s excellent condition allows for detailed examinations that can reveal critical information about the porpoise’s anatomy and behavior. In light of O’Connor’s findings, scientists are doing more research. They’re looking forward to learning even more about the ecological roles these amazing creatures filled during their time on Earth.