Auction on eBay bids to save the lives of rare fin whales

SHOPPERS can purchase almost anything they want on eBay — now they will get the chance to buy a whale’s freedom.

Wildlife campaigners are hoping to raise £100,000 (€150,000) by auctioning an endangered fin whale on the online marketplace this week. The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) hopes to raise awareness of the plight of whales in Iceland.

Five endangered fin whales have been killed by Icelandic hunters in the past two weeks, according to the WSPA.

It is hoped the public will pledge at least £95,000 (€142,000) — the amount a fin whale would fetch in Iceland if sold for meat.

The WSPA will then offer this money to the Icelandic government if it promises to spare the life of one whale.

Campaigners aim to save the lives of more whales as the donations roll in, as well as demonstrate people’s opposition to whaling.

An WSPA spokeswoman said if Iceland refused to accept the offer, the money would go directly to WSPA’s anti-whaling campaign.

Bidding on eBay starts tomorrow and closes on Saturday, November 11.