Veda was a curious calf, almost too curious for her own good. She was easily captivated by the sparkle of the sun off the surface of the water, and the way the seawater moved rhythmically through the kelp. She spent most of her time with her mother Violeta. The pair was nearly attached at the flippers, and would be until Veda was at least a year old. 

Each day passed by with familiarity, they would hunt, do seaschool, and spend time together in the 4000 kilometers squared of the warm waters in the northern Gulf of California they called home.

Violeta spoke the same exact words to Veda each morning, “ Stay close and stay safe Veda. You are our future.”

Veda never understood what this meant. She would say, “Mother, why do I have to be the future? Can someone else do it? I want to be with you.” 

With sadness in her mothers dark ringed eyes and upturned lips she would reply, “You’ll understand one day my love.” 

The days passed and passed without Veda understanding what her mothers words truly meant, until one Tuesday morning. 

    The day started as usual, they breached the surface and hunted for fish, squid, or small crustaceans. Squid was Veda’s favorite. She was still learning how to use her echolocation, and still nursed off Violeta each day, so she didn't often get to indulge in calamari, but when she did the surrounding sea would be filled with her squeals of excitement.

After hunting, was Vedas least favorite part of the day, seaschool. Her mom was her teacher, classmate, and friend all in one. Violeta said this was because Vaquitas live the best by themselves, they are solitary creatures. She had never even met her Father. Her mother says they only met once to make Veda last May, mating season for Vaquitas and 55 days after Veda was born from her mother, swimming into the world.

“We are going to learn something new today Veda, and I need you to pay great attention because it is very important” said Violeta.

“I promise I will Mother,” Veda replied already thinking about the squid she just ate.

“Okay sweetie lets review last weeks studies first. Do you remember what I taught you about our species?” Violeta prompted.

"Yes mother. We are Vaquitas, or to be more specific our species is Phocoena sinus. Our classification is Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Cetacea, Family Phocoenidae, and Genus Phocoena.” Veda said quickly trying not to forget anything.

“Very good Veda!,” Violeta replied. “ Here is a harder question, why do you have the cutest long fins and flippers baby?”

“Very good Veda. Now here is where I want you to listen well. I am going to tell you about the other Vaquitas, and why you are so important to me baby.” Violeta switched to a serious tone.

“ I know that one mom! It's an adaptation I have a extra tall dorsal fin and long flippers because we live in these lovely warm waters. They help me dissipate some of the heat my body and the water hold, so that we can stay in our home. Some of our cousins live where its cold because they cannot tolerate the heat.” Veda exclaimed with confidence. 

Okay mom I promise i am paying attention.” Veda replied. Her eyes were wide with curiosity and the hope she would finally understand her importance.