Giant Squid Washed up On New Zealand Beach [PHOTOS]

A giant squid washed up on a beach in New Zealand on Wednesday, putting the rare deep-sea animal in the spotlight.

Giant Squid Discovered In New Zealand

The Kaikoura Marine Centre and Aquarium in New Zealand, which has taken custody of the specimen, shared photos of the huge squid on Facebook. “A GIANT SQUID WASHED UP ON THE BEACH AT SOUTH BAY TODAY!” they wrote.

Scientists have determined that the squid was a mature female, but could still have some growing to do. The squid’s mantle measured well over 6-feet and its longest tentacle was an astounding 16.4 feet.

According to the Aquarium, the squid has been frozen and is currently on display. “Before the birds got to it – we got help to move it to the aquarium where it is safe inside a freezer with glass windows so you can see it – on display until we can do more with it… What a beast!” they wrote on Facebook.

Scientists are still trying to determine what happened to the squid. Aquarium owner Megan Lewis told reporters that the squid didn’t appear to be malnourished, saying, “There’s no indication of how it died.”