The half-ton, 33-foot-long squid has been kept in a walk-in freezer to prevent it from deteriorating before scientists can dissect and preserve the rare specimen. The research team plans to examine the squid's general anatomical features, take measurements, remove the stomach, beak and other mouth parts, and take tissue samples for DNA analysis, the Museum of New Zealand said.

The process is being filmed for a Discovery Channel documentary.

Colossal squids are rarely seen by humans. They are renowned as aggressive hunters, The Daily Telegraph said, with swiveling hooks at the tips of their enormous tentacles.