World Dolphin Day
September 12
About World Dolphin Day
World Dolphin Day takes place on Saturday, 12 September 2026. Launched by the marine conservation organisation Sea Shepherd Global, it celebrates the intelligence and beauty of dolphins while raising awareness of the serious threats they face, from hunting and entanglement to pollution and habitat loss.
What is World Dolphin Day?
World Dolphin Day is an annual conservation observance dedicated to protecting dolphins and the wider marine environment they depend on. It is both a celebration of these highly intelligent, sentient mammals and a call to action against the practices that harm them. The day was created by Sea Shepherd Global, an international non-profit that runs direct-action campaigns to defend the world’s oceans. It encourages people to learn about dolphins, support conservation groups and add their voice to efforts to end the killing of dolphins and whales.
When is World Dolphin Day?
World Dolphin Day falls on Saturday, 12 September 2026. It is observed on 12 September every year. The date was chosen deliberately to mark the anniversary of a single devastating event, so it does not move from year to year.
Why World Dolphin Day Matters
Dolphins are among the most intelligent animals on the planet, capable of complex communication, problem-solving and strong social bonds, yet they face mounting human-made dangers. The day exists to confront one stark example: on 12 September 2021, an unprecedented hunt in the Faroe Islands killed 1,428 white-sided dolphins in a single day, including juveniles and pregnant females, in what is recorded as the largest single slaughter of dolphins in history. Beyond hunting, dolphins are killed or injured by entanglement in fishing gear, captured for commercial exploitation, and harmed by ocean pollution and habitat loss. World Dolphin Day matters because public pressure has a real influence on the economic, political and social forces that allow these practices to continue.
How to Get Involved in World Dolphin Day
There are many ways to support dolphins on this day and beyond.
- Learn about the threats – Read up on hunting, bycatch, captivity and pollution so you can speak about the issues with confidence.
- Support the Stop the Grind coalition – Back the international coalition formed after the 2021 Faroe Islands hunt to end the killing of dolphins and whales.
- Donate to marine conservation – Give to a reputable ocean charity working to protect dolphins and their habitats.
- Avoid captive dolphin attractions – Choose not to visit shows or swim-with experiences that keep dolphins in captivity.
- Cut your plastic use – Reduce single-use plastic to lessen the pollution that ends up in dolphin habitats.
- Choose sustainable seafood – Look for certifications that reduce bycatch and protect marine ecosystems.
- Raise awareness online – Share facts and campaign messages so more people understand what dolphins are up against.
- Sign and share petitions – Add your name to campaigns pressing governments and businesses to protect cetaceans.
History of World Dolphin Day
World Dolphin Day was launched in 2022 by Sea Shepherd Global. The date of 12 September was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the largest single slaughter of dolphins in recorded history.
On 12 September 2021, a white-sided dolphin hunt in the Faroe Islands killed 1,428 dolphins in a single day. The scale of the hunt, and the images that emerged from it, provoked international outrage and drew condemnation even from some within the Faroe Islands. In response, conservation organisations and concerned individuals formed the Stop the Grind coalition to campaign against the practice.
Sea Shepherd Global established World Dolphin Day so that the anniversary would not pass unmarked, turning a day of loss into an annual focus for education and advocacy. Since its first observance, the day has grown into a global moment for celebrating dolphins and pressing for stronger protection of marine life. It sits alongside related observances such as World Orca Day, which highlights the plight of another remarkable cetacean.
Noteworthy Facts About World Dolphin Day
- The day was launched in 2022 by Sea Shepherd Global.
- The 12 September date marks the 2021 Faroe Islands hunt in which 1,428 dolphins were killed.
- That hunt is recorded as the largest single slaughter of dolphins in history.
- The associated hashtag #WDD1428 references the number of dolphins killed.
- Dolphins are recognised as highly intelligent, sentient marine mammals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is World Dolphin Day?
World Dolphin Day is an annual conservation observance, created by Sea Shepherd Global, that celebrates dolphins and raises awareness of the threats they face.
When is World Dolphin Day in 2026?
It takes place on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
Why is World Dolphin Day held on 12 September?
The date marks the anniversary of the 12 September 2021 Faroe Islands hunt, in which 1,428 dolphins were killed in a single day.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing World Dolphin Day with your friends, family and followers. Use the hashtags #WorldDolphinDay and #WorldDolphinDay2026, along with #WDD1428, on social media. The more people who understand the threats dolphins face, the greater the pressure to protect them.
Related Awareness Days
- World Orca Day – Raises awareness of orcas and the dangers facing cetaceans.
- Freshwater Dolphin Day – Focuses on the threatened dolphins of the world’s rivers.
- National Dolphin Day – A celebration of dolphins held in April.
Links
- Visit the Sea Shepherd Global World Dolphin Day page
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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