LIMA (Reuters) -Paleontologists in Peru unveiled on Wednesday the fossilized skeleton of an ancient, dolphin-like creature estimated to be between 8 and 12 million years old.

The remains were discovered in July in Peru’s Ocucaje Desert, an area south of capital Lima that was once part of the Pacific Ocean.

Paleontologist Mario Urbina, who was part of the discovery, referred to the ancient site as a “great hotel,” explaining that coastal mountains created a barrier from strong currents, making it an ideal, calm place for marine animals to reproduce. The region was a sea for approximately 45 million years.

Researchers from Peru’s state Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute (INGEMET) noted that the discovery helps them understand the geography of the past and how the coastline has

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