Photofact.
A piece of ambergris weighing about 10 kg was found in the carcass of a dead sperm whale washed ashore on the Canary island of La Palma. The find was valued at 500,000 euros. It is reported by The Guardian.
La Palma is an island in Spain and a volcanic hotspot. In 2021, the devastating eruption of the local volcano Cumbre Vieja caused €843 million in damage to the island.
Therefore, employees of the University of Las Palmas are looking for a buyer of ambergris, and they want to donate the proceeds to help those affected by the volcanic eruption.
According to Antonio Fernandez Rodriguez, head of the Institute for Animal Health and Food Security at the University of Las Palmas, ambergris caused sepsis inside the whale, which led to his death.
Note that ambergris is a rare waxy substance often referred to as floating gold. It is formed from undigested squid and shellfish eaten by a whale. Perfumers from all over the world dream of amber, because it enhances the smell.
