![\"\u2018Floating](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/floating-gold-found-in-dead-whale-credit-universidad-de-las-palmas-de-gran-canaria.jpeg\")
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In a recent discovery on one of the isles of the Canary Islands, experts found \u2018floating gold\u2019 in a dead whale\u2019s intestines. Credit: Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria<\/p>\n
A deceased sperm whale has washed ashore on La Palma, one of the Canary Islands, revealing an unexpected discovery inside its digestive system. Harsh ocean conditions and a rising tide made it difficult to examine the whale thoroughly. Despite these challenges, Antonio Fern\u00e1ndez Rodr\u00edguez, director of the Institute of Animal Health and Food Security at the University of Las Palmas, remained determined to determine the cause of its death.<\/p>\n
With suspicions of a digestive issue, he carefully examined the whale\u2019s colon and noticed a solid object adhered to that part of the intestine.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I took out was a stone about 50-60cm in diameter weighing 9.5kg,\u201d he said. \u201cThe waves were washing over the whale. Everyone was watching when I returned to the beach, but they didn\u2019t know that what I had in my hands was ambergris.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ambergris, also referred to as \u201cFloating Gold\u201d<\/p>\n
The solid lump that Fern\u00e1ndez grasped in his palm possessed an estimated value of approximately half a million dollars ($500,000). It was actually ambergris, also known as \u2018floating gold<\/a>,\u2019 which has been the ultimate desire of perfumers, reported The Guardian.<\/p>\n What an incredible photograph. Gulliver would be proud. Academics inspecting a dead sperm whale in Las Palmas. An autopsy found a 9.5kg lump of Ambergris in its colon, worth \u00a3500,000<\/p>\n Photograph: Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.<\/p>\n Source: Stuart White pic.twitter.com\/m06M1cnhC7<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 JP Maxwell (@MaxMaxWriter) July 4, 2023<\/a><\/p>\n The mystery surrounding the origin of ambergris, which is created by roughly one out of every one hundred sperm whales, remained unsolved until the advent of large-scale whaling in the early 19th century.<\/p>\n Sperm whales consume substantial quantities of squid<\/a> and cuttlefish, most of which cannot be fully digested and are subsequently expelled. However, a portion lingers and gradually combines within the whale\u2019s intestinal tract, eventually solidifying into ambergris.<\/p>\n Ambergris is occasionally expelled from the whale\u2019s body, which is why it is frequently discovered floating in the sea. However, in certain instances, such as with the whale in La Palma, the ambergris grows to such a size that it causes the whale\u2019s intestine to rupture, leading to the whale\u2019s death.<\/p>\n Trade in ambergris is banned<\/p>\n As part of their efforts to prohibit the hunting and exploitation of whales, the United States, Australia, and India have implemented a ban on the trade<\/a> of ambergris.<\/p>\n Fern\u00e1ndez, who has conducted autopsies on over a thousand whales, revealed that the whale\u2019s death was caused by sepsis resulting from the presence of ambergris.<\/p>\n The institute is currently seeking a potential buyer for the valuable substance. Fern\u00e1ndez expressed hope that the proceeds from its sale could contribute to assisting the victims affected by the volcanic eruption that occurred in La Palma<\/a> in 2021.<\/p>\n Related: Why is Ambergris or \u2018Floating Gold\u2019 Produced by Whales so Expensive?<\/a><\/p>\n