Around the world, whales and dolphins frequently find themselves washed up on shore, or marooned in shallow waters and unable to get themselves back out to sea.

One sperm whale didn’t survive when it was beached on a small island in Fiji… but the skeleton remains, and has become something of a natural museum.

Clement Paligaru: Centuries ago sperm whales were common in Fiji waters - until they were over-hunted by whalers. So when villagers on Vorovoro island in Fiji's north came across their rare find, they turned it into a showpiece.

Poasa Tutaga: The thing was dead during that time we met it. We bumped the thing. And nothing was moving. I saw that it was hurt on the neck . So I knew it was dead.

Clement Paligaru: The sperm whale has always been revered in Fiji.

Poasa Tutaga: This is where the teeth have to go to.

Clement Paligaru: It's tooth, known as "tabua", is of the most important objects in Fijian culture.

Poasa Tutaga: My neighbour told me this is a very important thing because it is the same as the coconut. Nothing is thrown away. So you can use the flesh. You can use it for oil. You can use it for teeth too. It is very important for the native Fijian for ceremonies.

Clement Paligaru: The whale was beached on nearby Mali island. The bones are black because because the carcass was burnt to get rid of the smell. And villagers are reconstructing the skeleton on Vorovoro.

Poasa Tutaga: We are trying to get the bones.

Clement Paligaru: And you want to make a natural museum?

Poasa Tutaga: Yes. It's very good for the people so they come for learning. That's why we have made this now.