Old Tom ( 1895 – 17 September 1930) was a killer whale (orca) known to whalers in the port of Eden, New South Wales, on the southeast coast of Australia. Old Tom measured 22 feet (6.7 m) and weighed 6 tons, with a 3.33 feet (1 m) skull and teeth about 5.31 inches (13.4 cm) long. Old Tom was thought to be the leader of a pod of killer whales which helped the whalers by herding baleen whales into Twofold Bay. This pod was also known as "the killers of Eden". On 17 September 1930, Old Tom was found dead in Twofold Bay. Before his death, he had been thought to be over 90 years old, assisting three generations of the Davidson family when whaling. Examination of his teeth indicated he died around age 35, but this method of age determination is now believed to be inaccurate for older animals. Old Tom's bones were preserved and his skeleton is now on display in the Eden Killer Whale Museum. Eden, Whaling and the Davidson family The Davidson family was the only group of whalers that resided in Eden year-round. They relied on traditional whaling techniques, such as row boats and hand harpoons, that did not disturb or put stress on the killer whales with loud noise, while also reducing operating costs. Eden Eden, first established in 1842, is located 470 km south of Sydney, in the greater area of Twofold Bay. It is a town with dense forests to the west and the sea to the east. Eden wharf is located in Snug Cove, opposite of Davidson whaling station, located in Kiah Inlet. Leatherjacket Bay, outside of South Head, was frequently used by the killer whales as a forward base. Eden is mostly known for its significance to the whaling history in Australia in the 19th century. Indigenous Australian History Around 10,000 years ago, the friendship between killer whales, referred to as "beowas" (= brothers in English) and whalers began with the Katunga, the Indigenous Australian whalers. The Katunga, translated to sea coast people or saltwater people, saw killer whales as their reincarnated ancestors, whalers in particular, due to the similarity in coloration of the killer whales and the traditional black and white clothing worn during their corroboree ceremonies. During this ceremony people interact with the Dreamtime through dance, music and costumes. The belief of killer whales harbouring the souls of