Gila Trout Rescue Mission | Albuquerque News

Seventy-eight rare Gila trout—genetically unique survivors from a once-vast population—got a dramatic VIP airlift out of their burning habitat after the Sacaton fire threatened their existence. Already listed as threatened, these fish face extinction from habitat loss and genetic contamination by other trout species. Biologists raced to rescue them before fire ash and sediment destroyed Iron Creek, home to a vital “relic lineage.” Now safely at the Mora National Fish Hatchery, they’ll breed and hopefully return to the wild—without a single one lost in the operation. This rescue is a lifeline for one of the first fish ever protected under the Endangered Species Act, a symbol of New Mexico’s wild heritage fighting back from the brink. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/62933e2aea34e988