Meet Elaina, a young conservationist on a mission to safeguard the future of the vaquita, the world's most endangered marine mammal.
Elaina, a compassionate fourth grader, is showing us that age is no barrier to making a positive impact on the world. With a deep commitment to conservation, Elaina has become a ray of hope for the vaquita porpoise— the world’s most endangered marine mammal.
A Passion Ignited
Elaina’s journey began in second grade when she was tasked with writing about her passions. As someone who cares deeply about wildlife and the natural world, she began researching endangered animals. It was during this exploration that she learned about the vaquita, a critically endangered porpoise. Vaquitas face extinction primarily due to human activities, such as entanglement in fishing nets set for the illegal wildlife trade of the totoaba fish.
“In my research about endangered animals, I learned about the Northern White Rhinoceros, and then I realized there was another animal almost as endangered as them, but it didn’t live in captivity. It was the vaquita! This intrigued me,” Elaina recalls.
Elaina proudly wears her 'Save the Vaquitas' shirt, raising awareness for the protection of this endangered species.
A Remarkable Journey in Conservation
Despite being just eight years old at the time, Elaina was determined to make a difference. Fueled by her love of wildlife, she embarked on a mission to do what she could to help protect the vaquita porpoise.
The Vaquita’s Plight
The vaquita, a small porpoise native to the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, is critically endangered. With a population hovering on the brink of extinction—estimated to be at least around 10 individuals—it desperately needs champions. Elaina was committed to becoming one of those champions.
Summer Goals and Fundraising Feats
At the end of third grade, Elaina set a summer goal: to educate people about the vaquita and raise funds for their conservation. She created a heartfelt flyer, addressed envelopes, mailed requests to friends and family across the country, and hand-delivered letters to local connections. The response was impressive. Support poured in from family and friends, who sent cash and checks, along with words of hope and encouragement. Elaina and her family also contributed. In all, Elaina raised over $600 in her efforts – an impressive feat for a young conservationist.
But Elaina didn’t stop there. In the fourth grade, as a Student Council representative at her elementary school, she rallied her school community to support the vaquita cause. She and her peers sold Val-o-grams (cards sent within the school with a lollipop attached) and mini toys for Valentine’s Day. Elaina also took the initiative to personally address various classrooms, passionately explaining why their support was crucial. The result? An astounding $1,600 raised for vaquita conservation. “It was amazing,” Elaina said. “These moments are special since I realize my efforts are making a difference in vaquita conservation.”
Elaina proudly displays her certificate of appreciation from the NMMF, a testament to her dedication and contributions to marine conservation.
Elaina's creative Val-o-gram flyer brings love and support to vaquita conservation efforts at her school's Valentine's Day fundraiser.
A Ripple Effect of Awareness
Elaina’s dedication extends beyond fundraising as she actively raises awareness about the vaquita and the urgency of their situation. She proudly wears her “Save the Vaquitas” shirt and shares information with others. Recently, the NMMF Community Engagement team provided a virtual workshop titled, “Marine Mammal Conservation: Vaquita Porpoise,” in which Elaina and the Student Council attended. The workshop offered valuable insights into vaquita conservation, showcasing the NMMF’s efforts to protect small cetaceans around the world. Elaina was thrilled to deepen her knowledge about her favorite marine mammal and share this newfound information with her peers. She is committed to educating others about the cause, aiming to create a ripple effect of awareness.
Looking Ahead
Elaina’s dedication to conservation is an inspiration to all. With plans for future projects focused on a variety of endangered species, she is determined to continue making a positive impact on the world around her.
So, what’s Elaina’s message to the world? “We only have one world and there are only a few vaquitas that remain… if we let them become extinct, the ecosystem will be forever changed. There isn’t a rewind button on the Earth!”
Elaina reminds us that every small action counts, and we can all make a difference.
