In a groundbreaking expedition off the coast of Baja California, researchers confirmed the first live sighting of the gingko-toothed beaked whale, a species previously known only through its high-frequency clicks. The team, utilizing advanced acoustic technology, successfully matched the whale's unique calls to its DNA, marking a significant step in understanding these elusive creatures. Beaked whales are notoriously difficult to study due to their deep-diving habits and skittish nature, often only surfacing briefly. The expedition involved towing hydrophones to capture the whales' sounds and collecting DNA samples from biopsies. This research not only sheds light on the gingko-toothed beaked whale but also emphasizes the urgent need to understand and protect these rare marine mammals, which face threats from human activities such as fishing and climate change.