World Whale Day – a celebration of the ocean’s giants

Have you ever stopped for a moment to think about whales? Maybe not. Perhaps the only image you have in mind is a scene from a documentary or a photograph of a humpback whale majestically breaching the water. And yet, these giant mammals are among the most fascinating creatures on our planet. Like many other animals, they face serious challenges. That is why every year we celebrate World Whale Day. It is an opportunity to take a closer look at these incredible animals and consider what we can do to protect them.

How did World Whale Day begin?

Hawaii, 1980. Marine biologist Greg Kauffman, founder of the Pacific Whale Foundation, noticed that fewer and fewer people were paying attention to the fate of whales. At the time, whaling was an everyday reality, and environmental awareness was still in its infancy. So, he came up with the idea of dedicating one day a year to whales. Why? To remind the world how extraordinary these creatures are.

And so, on one of the Hawaiian islands, the first celebration of Humpback Whale Day took place, which later evolved into a global movement. Today, people around the world organize events, marches, lectures, and educational campaigns. However, World Whale Day is not just about admiring these magnificent animals. It is also a time to reflect on the threats they face and why it is so important to help them.

Why do whales need our help?

Although commercial whaling was largely banned in 1986, whales still cannot roam the oceans safely. The modern threats they face are different but just as dangerous:

• Ship collisions – Increasing maritime traffic is a serious problem. Every year, many whales die after being struck by cargo ships.
• Fishing nets – Becoming entangled in abandoned nets is one of the leading causes of death for these ocean giants. They cannot escape and slowly drown.
• Noise pollution – Whales rely on sound to communicate, but human-made noises—ships, military sonars, underwater explosions, and drilling—are making their world increasingly louder.
• Plastic pollution – Scientists regularly find hundreds of kilograms, sometimes even tons, of plastic in dead whales. In 2019, a pilot whale found off the coast of the Philippines had 40 kg of plastic bags and waste in its stomach.

How can we help?

You do not have to be a marine biologist or live near the ocean to make a difference. Here are a few simple steps you can take today:

• Reduce plastic use – Fewer bottles mean less plastic ending up in the ocean.
• Support whale conservation organizations – Many foundations are working to protect whales, and you can donate to help their efforts.
• Raise awareness! – The more people understand that whales need help, the greater the chance of reducing threats.
• Choose sustainable seafood – Be mindful of where your fish comes from. Sustainable fishing is key to the future of our oceans.

What do humans and whales have in common? More than you might think!

Although we rarely think about it, whales have more in common with us than we realize.

Scientists have discovered that humpback whale songs have a structure similar to human language. They are not random sounds – they consist of repeating phrases and sequences that humpbacks combine into longer melodies. What’s more, their songs evolve over time, with new “hits” spreading among whale populations just like music trends among humans.

Whales are social animals. Sperm whales live in clans, helping each other and raising their young together. Researchers have even observed that whales return to places where they lost a companion – almost as if they were mourning.

Even more astonishing are their acts of empathy. Documented cases show that humpback whales have protected seals from orca attacks, shielding them with their bodies. In another study, a sperm whale helped a wounded dolphin stay afloat so it wouldn’t suffocate.

And the most fascinating fact of all – whales have their own culture. Scientists have found that sperm whales in different parts of the world communicate using distinct dialects, meaning their communication style is not just instinctive but passed down from generation to generation.

All of this proves that whales are much more than just ocean giants. They are highly intelligent, social beings with complex lives. Though they live in a completely different environment, they share many similarities with us.

It is worth remembering them – not just on World Whale Day.