Floating Gold in a dead whale News
In the Canary Island of La Palma, a deceased sperm whale washed ashore, revealing a remarkable find within its intestinal tract—an ambergris block, renowned as the ‘floating gold’. Weighing approximately 9.5 kilograms, this precious substance holds a value of around €500,000. Ambergris, a rare and prized secretion produced by sperm whales, finds use in perfumes and medicinal applications.
The University of Las Palmas aspires to sell this remarkable discovery, aiming to utilize the proceeds to aid the victims of the devastating 2021 La Palma volcanic eruption, which resulted in extensive damage totaling approximately 843 million euros. Experts from the university determined that the whale perished due to chronic obstructive inflammation caused by the presence of the ambergris in its colon.
Antonio Fernández Rodríguez, the esteemed head of the Institute of Animal Health and Food Security at the university, made the extraordinary find. Suspecting a digestive ailment, he diligently examined the whale’s intestines, leading to the fortuitous discovery of the ambergris.
The ‘Floating Gold’ Found Inside a Deceased Sperm Whale
Ambergris, often referred to as the ‘floating gold,’ is a highly sought-after substance with a long history of use in the perfume industry. It is a waxy secretion produced by the intestines of sperm whales. When expelled, it floats on the ocean’s surface and can eventually wash ashore, as it did in the case of the deceased sperm whale in the Canary Island of La Palma. The ambergris block discovered inside the whale weighed approximately 9.5 kilograms, making it an incredibly valuable find.
The Value of Ambergris
Ambergris holds significant value in various industries, particularly in perfumery. It possesses a unique scent that develops over time, becoming more complex and appealing. Perfume makers use ambergris as a fixative to enhance the longevity and fragrance of their products. Its rare and elusive nature, coupled with its distinct aroma, makes it highly sought after by perfumers around the world.
Apart from its use in perfumes, ambergris also finds applications in traditional medicine. It has been used in remedies for various ailments, including gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and even as an aphrodisiac. While its medicinal properties are still being studied, ambergris continues to hold cultural and historical significance in many regions.
The University of Las Palmas’ Remarkable Discovery
The University of Las Palmas in the Canary Islands made a remarkable discovery when Antonio Fernández Rodríguez, the head of the Institute of Animal Health and Food Security, diligently examined the intestines of the deceased sperm whale that washed ashore. While investigating a suspected digestive ailment, he stumbled upon the precious ambergris block inside the whale’s intestinal tract. This unexpected find has garnered significant attention due to the rarity and value of ambergris.
Utilizing the Proceeds for a Noble Cause
In light of the devastating 2021 La Palma volcanic eruption, which caused extensive damage amounting to approximately 843 million euros, the University of Las Palmas aims to utilize the proceeds from the sale of the ambergris block to aid the victims of the catastrophe. The eruption had severe consequences for the local community, leading to the loss of homes, livelihoods, and infrastructure. The university’s efforts to sell the remarkable discovery of the ambergris block serve as a means to provide much-needed support and assistance to those affected by the volcanic eruption.
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