understanding of conservation matters, according to Dr. Wolfgang Sterrer.

Museum Curator at the Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, Dr. Sterrer welcomed the donation of the sculpture "Northern Journey'' by chartered accountants Deloitte and Touche.

He said the sculpture, by American artist Mr. Randy Puckett, was a departure from usual depictions of whales in art.

Dr. Sterrer said: "In the past artists have tended to depict man's domination of whales, usually in whale hunts.

"We are now coming around to appreciate the beauty of nature. I like to think this sculpture will show that art and natural history are now coming together with our understanding of conservation matters.'' The sculpture depicts a Humpback mother and calf, escorted by a male, on their long journey from calving and breeding grounds to northern feeding grounds.

Partner at Deloitte and Touche, Mr. David Mutch made the presentation of the three foot, four inch high sculpture which will be part of a permanent display in the museum's whale exhibit.

He said: "Our firm is delighted to be able to make this contribution to BAMZ.

Northern Journey is a perfect work for display here since Bermuda is on the migration route of humpbacks.

"We are also happy to be associated with BAMZ and the work they are doing to educate the public in general and our children in particular. We are attracted to the beauty of Randy Puckett's work and also wish to support the aims and objectives of BAMZ. The opportunity to donate this work seemed like the perfect fit.'' Dr. Sterrer thanked Deloitte and Touche and praised the sculptor's work. He said: "I think that this guy really did his research very well.

"You do not do a thing like this without really knowing how these whales cavort, how they swim and what their body proportions are.'' More appropriately to Bermuda, Dr. Sterrer pointed out that humpback whales are seen swimming near to Bermuda every year.

He said: "Northern Journey is apt, because the whales are seen travelling from the southern breeding grounds and passing on the way to feeding grounds off New England, about this time of year.'' An exhibition and sale of marine mammal sculptures by Randy Puckett will be staged at City Hall from June 13 to July 1.

The exhibition will benefit both the Bermuda Society of Arts and the Bermuda Zoological Society.

WHALE TALES -- Dr. Wolfgang Sterrer points out aspects of the humpback whale on the Aquarium's new sculpture to Mr. David Mutch.