Sperm whales naturally produce a waxy, foul-smelling substance in their digestive system called ambergris to protect their intestines from the razor-sharp beaks of giant squid.

A closer look

Sperm whales naturally produce a waxy, foul-smelling substance in their digestive system called ambergris to protect their intestines from the razor-sharp beaks of giant squid. This bizarre intestinal slurry is eventually excreted into the ocean, where it floats around for years baking in the salty sea and harsh sunlight until it transforms into a remarkably sweet-smelling, rock-like lump. High-end luxury perfume manufacturers pay exorbitant amounts of money for this incredibly rare substance because it chemically binds volatile fragrances to human skin and helps expensive scents last significantly longer. A single sizable chunk of this oceanic waste can easily sell for tens of thousands of dollars on the open market. There is something profoundly hilarious about wealthy elites cheerfully spraying themselves with aged whale vomit to smell more attractive at fancy dinner parties