World Whale Day — February 15, 2026 — A Day of Global Movement for Whale Protection

The History of the Holiday

World Whale Day originated in 1980 in Hawaii, when the non-profit organization Pacific Whale Foundation established this celebration in Lahaina on the island of Maui. Initially, the holiday was conceived as a local festival designed to draw attention to the need for protecting humpback whales, which migrate to Hawaiian islands every winter for breeding.

Over time, the initiative spread worldwide, transforming into an international holiday celebrated on the third Sunday of February. Today, this event has become a symbol of the global movement for whale conservation and the protection of their habitats.

Main Goals and Objectives

World Whale Day focuses on these magnificent creatures as key players in marine ecosystems. The primary goal of the celebration is to develop an emotional connection between people and whales through art, culture, and science.

The holiday aims to showcase the greatness of these animals, their remarkable intelligence, complex social bonds, and cultural significance for different peoples around the world.

Special emphasis is placed on educational programs that tell the story of various whale species, their behaviour, and the need to protect them from such threats as climate change, ocean pollution, and poaching.

How to Participate in the Celebration

Regardless of your location, you can organize creative events dedicated to whales:

• Organize photography exhibitions, children's drawing contests, or screenings of documentary films about whale life
• Hold viewings of documentaries dedicated to marine mammals
• Participate in whale watching programs in coastal regions while following all safety guidelines for observation
• Organize musical evenings featuring recordings of whale songs
• Conduct workshops on creating art objects from eco-friendly materials
• Support scientific research by joining citizen science programs for whale counting and study
• Support research projects and organizations working to protect these animals

Important Clarification

Note: World Whale Day is sometimes confused with International Whale and Dolphin Day (World Whale and Dolphin Day), which is celebrated on July 23. These are two different holidays, each with its own significance in the global movement to protect marine mammals.

Support the Movement

The Dolphin Hub platform invites everyone to join the global movement for whale and dolphin protection. Together, we can create meaningful change for the conservation of our ocean's future.

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