C'est la fin.

Southern humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae australis

This Fossil Friday, behold the Irish Elk (Megaloceros giganteus). It was originally discovered in bog deposits in Ireland. It was one of the largest known species of deer, weighing up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Its antlers, which could reach an incredible 13-ft- (4-m-) spread, were used in ritualized combat between males. Once ranging from western Europe to China, this animal died out some 10,000 years ago. However, at least one population, living in the Ural Mountains, managed to survive until about 7,770 years ago, long after the end of the Pleistocene. See this prehistoric animal and more at the Museum! Plan your visit.