Rice’s Whale is one of the rarest types of whales and lives only in the Gulf of Mexico. It has existed for approximately 3 million years. The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010 killed a significant number of the population, and these whales are now an endangered species with an estimate of fewer than 50 individuals remaining.

In March 2026, the US government declared oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico is no longer required to abide by the Endangered Species Act because of an urgency to obtain oil for “reasons of national security.” Scientists and environmental advocates acknowledge this government action will directly result in the extinction of Rice’s Whales.