#44: The Berezovka Mammoth
Can you believe this photograph is of a real preserved mammoth? The Berezovka Mammoth was discovered in 1900 near the Berezovka River in Russia. This famous mammoth is incredibly well-preserved. It’s a male who is believed to have fallen off a cliff, broken his leg and died instantly. Scientists believe this mammoth was essentially mummified by the surrounding snow because it was buried by the elements before predators could eat it.
The Berezovka Mammoth was so well-preserved that its stomach was completely intact. Scientists reportedly found grass and buttercups in its mouth, proving that its death was quick. This discovery was excavated in 1901 and transported to St. Petersburg. Parts of its preserved skin were layered on top of a reconstructed model, which is photographed here.