A complete petrified skeleton of an ancestor of modern marsouins dating back more than 10 million years is revealed at the Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute (Ingemmet) in Lima on September 17, 2025.
Peruvian paleontologists unveiled the 12 million years of prehistoric porpoise fossil on Wednesday found near the country’s Pacific coast.
The fossil, which measures 3.5 meters (about 11.5 feet) long, was found in July by Peruvian paleontologist Mario Urbina in the Ocucaje desert, about 350 kilometers (217 miles) south of the Lima capital.
Presenting its discovery at the Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute of Lima, Urbina said that it was a rare specimen of a porpoise of Pisco geological training, known for its well -preserved marine fossils.
Another paleontologist, Mario Gamarra, said that the excellent state of the relic would allow scientists to study the prehistoric marine mammal: “How he moved, how he swam, what he was eating and how long he lived.”
The Ocucaje desert is a paradise for fossil hunters.
The skeletons of dwarf whales on all fours, dolphins, sharks and other species of the Miocene period (between five million and 23 million years) were all discovered in the region.
© 2025 AFP
Quote: Marsil fossil of 12 million years found in Peru (2025, September 18) recovered on September 18, 2025 from
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