It's easy to become calloused to everyday headlines with messages like, "the world is ending" and "everything is going extinct." They're so prevalent, in fact, that the severity of these statements has completely diminished to the point that no one pays them any attention. This environmental negativity (coined "eco-phobia") has led us to believe that all hope is lost for wildlife. But luckily, that isn't the case.
Historically, we have waited until something is near the complete point of collapse, then fought and clawed to bring the species numbers back up. But oftentimes we wait so long that it's too late. Creatures vanish from the Earth altogether. They go extinct. And even though I don't think for a single second that we should downplay the severity of extinction, if we can flip this on its head and show that every once in a while a species we have given up on is actually still out there, hanging on by a thread against all odds, that is a story that deserves to be told. A tragic story of loss becomes one about an animal that deserves a shot at preservation and a message of hope the world deserves to hear.
As a wildlife biologist and tracker who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of animals I believe have been wrongfully deemed extinct, I spend most of my time in super remote corners of the Earth, hoping to find some shred of evidence that these incredible creatures are still out there. And to be frank, I'm pretty damn good at it!
Once an animal is listed as extinct, all funding to look for or work with that animal completely dries up, and why wouldn't it? Who is going to fund work on a creature that no longer exists? Well, I am. So I'm kind of the only one looking. The world is a big place and there are lots of corners to hide in. If you're an animal that has been prosecuted, you get very good at hiding very fast.
These exploits are fascinating, because along the way in looking for these extinct animals, I get to encounter and experience the amazing ecosystems and the even more incredible creatures that still do exist in these habitats. Bringing exposure to these areas and animals is arguably just as important as the search for the lost creature itself. I am thrilled that my team and I film these expeditions and they can be seen on our Animal Planet show, "Extinct or Alive." In fact, if you have ever wanted to see exactly what it's like to find an extinct animal, you can tune in on October 23th as the premier episode highlights my team and I uncovering a giant Galapagos tortoise species not seen in 114 years! But enough about plugging that. Let's go back to why "If you think all hope is lost for wildlife, you're wrong."
Being the pursuer of extinct animals, you would expect me to, quite frankly, have no success at all. The odds are one in a million each and every time I set out to look for something that is extinct. I might as well be looking for Bigfoot or Nessie...Right? Wrong. Wrong because these are real creatures that we know did exist up until recently and if someone with the right skill set goes and looks, you might just find what you are looking for. If those odds are one in a million, then I should really start playing the lotto, as I now have three known rediscoveries (Zanzibar Leopard, Fernandina Tortoise, and Pondicherry Shark) to my name, and I can tell you this, once the new season of "Extinct or Alive" comes out, there will be more.
The striking imagery of these wild animals will be something people who don't want to travel to the ends of the Earth, get a bazillion bug bites, and jungle sickness can experience. This transcends the mission; it's bigger than a man looking for an extinct creature. Showing people these pockets of wild rugged nature will show people not all hope is lost.
It's extremely hard to articulate the overwhelming amount of shock, excitement, and flat out amazement that one feels when holding an animal in their hands that is believed to be extinct. It's the hope that it's not too late for the species, the hope that what we have found will make a difference to conservation, and the hope that we can right our wrongs and do everything in our power to save this creature, and all creatures that are now truly on the brink.
The new season of "Extinct or Alive" returns to Animal Planet on October 23th.
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.