Lyrics to Viva la Vaquita

Viva la Vaquita

There is a porpoise called vaquita

It is rare and hardly ever seen

Living in the Gulf of California

People call it panda of the sea.

The Vaquita has dark patches around it eyes

It’s the cute, endemic porpoise of Mexico.

And ‘though it has a pretty face that seems to smile

It’s the most endangered ocean mammal that we know

Chorus:

Donde viven las vaquitas marinas?

In Mexico, the Gulf of California

Cuántas quedan las vaquitas marinas?

There a not too many. There are less than fifty.

Por favor, Señor que Viva, Viva, Viva… La Vaquita!

The vaquita is the smallest of cetaceans

Small as a loaf of bread when it is born.

Eating squid, fish and small crustaceans,

When it’s fully grown, it’s only 5 feet long.

The Vaquita has a story that I can’t forget.

And a problem that I want the world to understand.

Vaquitas get caught in fishermen’s gill nets.

And they won’t survive unless these nets are banned.

Chorus:

Donde viven las vaquitas marinas?

In Mexico, the Gulf of California

Cuántas quedan las vaquitas marinas?

There a not too many. There are less than fifty.

Por favor, Señor que Viva, Viva, Viva… La Vaquita!

Spoken:

Gill nets have accidentally caught and drown hundreds of vaquitas, who are now on the brink of extinction. Gracias, thank you, to the government of Mexico and the fishermen who are working together to stop the use of these gill nets.

But if the vaquita is to survive, Mexico needs the help of the whole world. So I ask everyone, from China to United States: Por Favor! Please! We must work together now to protect and save the endangered vaquita porpoise.
_____________________________________

China saved the panda from extinction.

And Mexico, the gray whale and the elephant seal.

With strong protection and cooperation

We can save this beautiful cetacean

And so I sing this song for the vaquita.

Most endangered ocean mammal that we know.

Living in the Gulf of California

The special little porpoise of Mexico

Chorus:

Donde viven las vaquitas marinas?

In Mexico, the Gulf of California

Cuántas quedan las vaquitas marinas?

There a not too many. There are less than fifty.

Por favor, Señor que Viva, Viva, Viva… La Vaquita!

Viva, Viva, Viva… La Vaquita!

Viva, Viva, Viva … … La Vaquita!