The story of how the vaquita porpoise became the world’s most endangered marine mammal did not begin with modern day poaching, drug cartels, and mafia, although that is the compelling story being told today. The full story is more complex—it begins at the turn of the century and it involves westward expansion, global trade, and the development of communities supported by this trade. In this lecture Aquarium Director of Education David Bader will discuss lessons learned from the story of the vaquita and what it can tell us broadly about what it will take to achieve conservation success. Bader also serves as a lead coordinator for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Vaquita SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program.