The most endangered marine mammal in the world is the vaquita, a rare species of porpoise native to the northern part of the Gulf of California. The National Marine Mammal Center and Chicago Zoological Society are working together to capture and repopulate the vaquita.

5 million dollars has gone towards trying to save the vaquita in Mexico by building a trap to try and get the vaquita. Students had mixed emotions on spending that much money on an animal.

“I think you should spend some money on an animal but not 5 million unless it was an animal that impacted the world more,” said Kelly Shockley, Middletown High School freshman.

Caitlyn Jones, MHS sophomore, disagreed and said, “I think to save an animal they should spend as much money as needed.”

Some students felt that saving water animals is very important to help keep our oceans safe and intact.

“I think it’s important to save the marine life because with the amount of pollution there is from humans it is our job to make sure we give back to our oceans,” said Jones.

Students had different opinions on how much money is the right amount of money to spend on animals.

Alyssa Daley, MHS freshman, said, “I think spending around 2 million dollars on an animal is a good amount.”

Mexico’s government has paid for all of the needed resources and help, students were asked how they would feel if the U.S. government would help by donating money to help save the vaquita.

“I don’t think it is necessary,” said Jayden Bidle, MHS sophomore, “because the vaquita doesn’t benefit us in any way.”

Maddie Kefauver, MHS sophomore, disagreed and said, “I think it would be a good source in the government’s money.”