Concerning Whales and Ambergris

As is well known, it is my contention that there are two huge species of animals in Okanagan Lake. These animals are commonly referred to as ‘’Ogopogo’’, by the members of the public. The scientific community refuses to acknowledge their existence. 

I maintain that one is an ichthyosaur, and the other is a whale. Both are nocturnal, so that they spend the daylight hours inside caves, as well as the winter months. Both are also omnivores, which is to say that they eat vegetation, as well as flesh. This means that during the warm months, these animals come out of the water, in order to graze. 

For the purposes of this article, I am concerned with the whale, referred to as basilosaurus. The scientists consider this whale to be extinct.

The method I use, to investigate the possible characteristics of such animals, those which are thought to be extinct, is to compare them to their closest living relatives. In the case of basilosaurus, it must be similar to another toothed whale, that of the sperm whale. The two are quite similar, close to the same size and weight.

To my surprise, I found that the ‘’poop’’ of sperm whale is considered to be supremely valuable! Even more valuable than gold!

This is referred to as ‘’ambergris’’, or ‘’amber grease’’, or ‘’grey amber’’, and according to the internet, ‘’among the secret scatological world of whale poo traders’’, is considered to be the most valuable poo in the world!

Further according to the internet, this ambergris is ‘’prized’’ by the perfume industry. It is ”used as an ingredient in the most expensive scents”. It is also occasionally used as incense, an aphrodisiac, and a medicine.

The scientists are agreed that this, the ‘’worlds strangest natural substance’’, is produced in the digestive tract of sperm whales. That is about the only thing upon which they agree!

Yet as it is produced by sperm whales, could it possibly be produced by basilosaurus whales?

It is entirely possible that this ambergris is strictly characteristic of salt water whales, not fresh water whales. It may have something to do with their diet, which is different from that of fresh water whales. Or not!

There is one way to find out!

At the time they graze, they also ‘’fertilize’’ the meadow. Their droppings should be examined. Bear in mind that ambergris has been described as an ‘’elusive, smelly substance’’, one which is ‘’frequently mistaken for pebbles and pumice’’. It may have a scent ‘’similar to sandal wood and tobacco’’. 

As for those who object to handling droppings, may I suggest wearing gloves. Then place the disagreeable substance in a plastic container, and have it sent to a lab. 

As these animals are so huge, they very likely graze on all of the meadows adjacent to the lake, or at least, all meadows which are accessible. On that subject, there is bound to be a ‘’slide’’, at the point that they enter and exit the water. That may also be a fine place to set up a trail camera. 

There is no harm in making the attempt! If nothing else, you will take part in a major scientific breakthrough! That alone should serve as sufficient motivation!