For years, a remarkable whale sculpture display has stood as part of Tallahassee’s 9/11 memorial, serving as a reminder of a day that changed our nation and honoring the memory of those we lost. Now, these incredible sculptures are making a new journey to Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory (GSML) in Panacea, Florida, where they can be preserved for future generations and become a meaningful landmark for our community.

After nearly a year of work to navigate logistics, coordinate the move, and find a permanent home for the whales, we are excited to bring this important piece of history to Florida’s Forgotten Coast. This project is about more than moving sculptures. It is about preserving a memorial, protecting a piece of local history, and ensuring that its story continues to be shared with visitors, families, and future generations.

We need your help to bring these whales home.

Your assistance is needed to restore and reassemble the Whales and their water and light features. Fielder Tree Services is donating the move and all the site preparation. We have ponds to rebuild and lighting to upgrade to bring the Whales back to their original beauty and function. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory has been part of the Panacea community for decades, connecting people with the wonders of the marine environment through education, research, and conservation. We are honored to help give these whales a new home where they can continue to inspire curiosity, reflection, and remembrance.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to completing this project. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with friends and family would mean so much to us.

Together, we can preserve this important piece of history and ensure that these whales continue to tell their story for generations to come.

Thank you for helping us bring the whales to Panacea and preserve a memorial that deserves to be remembered.