Schoolboy Stumbles Upon Whale Vomit, Can Sell It for $60,000

A few days ago, an 8-year-old schoolboy enjoying a walk on the beach stumbled upon a chunk of almost solidified sperm whale vomit.

It seems to us that Charlie Naysmith was quite inspired in picking it up and taking it home, as this “floating gold” is highly sought after by the perfume industry.

As sources explain, the proper term for this chunk is “ambergris,” and refers to whale vomit which has become almost solid as the years went by.

Apparently, companies in the business of making perfume used to get their hands on it by directly collecting it from the bellies of hunted whales, yet several conservation projects aimed at safeguarding this species have left them with no choice but to resort to synthetic replacements.

Because this chunk of ambergris was obtained without any sperm whales having to suffer for it, the perfume industry can make use of it and not mind about moral consideration.

Moreover, the kid who found it will get about $60,000 (roughly €48,000 / ₤38,000), which he says he will use to set up an animal shelter.