Recent studies have provided significant evidence supporting the theory that the COVID-19 pandemic originated from animals sold at the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China. Genetic analyses of over 800 samples collected from the market identified raccoon dogs, civet cats, and bamboo rats as potential carriers of the virus. These findings suggest that infected animals were introduced into the market in late 2019, sparking the pandemic. While the research reinforces the animal-origin hypothesis, it does not conclusively rule out other theories, such as a lab leak. The data, collected by the Chinese CDC and analyzed by international teams, highlight the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in areas where these animals were sold. Despite the strong evidence, the debate over the virus’s exact origin remains unresolved.