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The vaquita is a small species of porpoise found only in the northern Gulf of California and is nearing extinction at a rapid pace.  Vaquitas were once thriving with close to 5,000 individuals but since 2011 we have lost over 90% of this beautiful animal’s population.  With only 30 vaquitas left in the wild, the most significant threat to their survival is entanglement in fixed fishing nets or gillnets.  More than 300,000 whales, porpoises, and dolphins get entangled in fishing nets annually and most don’t survive.  While gillnets are illegal, they are continuing to be used which is detrimental to the vaquita’s battle against extinction.  If this issue is ignored, we will lose the vaquita forever.  Organizations accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums from around the world are contributing expertise and knowledge to assist these conservation efforts.  We can’t do it alone and need your help!  Help us save the vaquita!