SINGAPORE, Sept. 19 -- Scientists are working to preserve the remains of a baleen whale that surfaced off Tanjong Pagar on September 6, in an effort to unlock clues about the rare specimen.

Marine mammal researchers told The Straits Times that the whale likely drifted in from elsewhere in the South China Sea, as Singapore's shallow coastal waters do not sustain the dense prey shoals needed to support large whale populations.

The animal, identified as a rorqual - a family of baleen whales distinguished by their pleated throats that expand while feeding - measured about 6.3 metres.

This group includes species such as the blue whale, the largest animal on Earth.

Marcus Chua, curator of mammals at the National University of Singapore's Le...