{
  "id": 15812034,
  "title": "Search for the ‘Asian unicorn’ faces an uncertain future amid funding losses",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/search-for-the-asian-unicorn-faces-an-uncertain-future-amid-funding",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-20T22:26:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mongabay",
    "slug": "mongabay",
    "url": "https://news.mongabay.com/2026/10/search-for-the-asian-unicorn-faces-an-uncertain-future-amid-funding-losses/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The search for the elusive creature known as the Asian unicorn is facing uncertainty due to dwindling funding, according to the Saola Foundation, the organization coordinating the expedition. The group is currently scrambling to secure resources to continue their search for the saola in Laos. Lorraine Scotson, CEO of the Saola Foundation for the Conservation of the Annamite Mountains, explained that the team usually departs the forest each July during the wet season. However, due to a significant reduction in funding this year, they are unable to confirm their return until October. Fortunately, donations from zoos have provided much-needed funds for October, but ongoing fundraising efforts are necessary for subsequent months. The saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) is considered the world's most endangered large animal, with its population believed to consist of fewer than 50 individuals. Due to its reclusive nature and solitary habits, no captive saola have been recorded, and the last confirmed sighting was captured by a camera trap in 2013. With only a handful of people having witnessed a saola in the wild, the foundation has launched a search to locate the creature.",
  "summary": "The search for the enigmatic creature often called the Asian unicorn is stumbling forward on a month-to-month basis, according to the Saola Foundation, which organizes the search. The group says it’s now frantically raising funds to keep the search for the saola in Laos going. “The team comes out of the forest each July for […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Asian unicorn, also known as saola, faces uncertain future due to funding losses",
    "Saola Foundation struggles to secure resources for Laos search expedition",
    "Donations from zoos aid October funding, ongoing fundraising needed"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}