Make Waves for Conservation: Adopt a Whale, Dolphin, or Orca

Are you struggling to find your animal-loving bestie a festive gift this season? 

Well, why not go back to a charitable method that has been used for decades? 

Animal protection charity, Whale and Dolphin Conservation is known all over the world for their animal rescue and conservation efforts. Despite their name, they also look out for orcas – which can be referred to as ‘Killer Whales’ despite being part of the dolphin family…

Looking after nature’s ecosystems is one of the most important issues of this generation, especially in the current environmental climate. 

This can make a great Christmas gift to give back and help protect some of the world’s most amazing mammals. 

But don’t take our world for it, Danny Groves, Head of Communications at WDC agrees: “An adoption of an orca, humpback or dolphin is a brilliant gift. It’s the start of a lifelong journey getting to know your adoption dolphin, orca or humpback and their family. And you get to help protect them at the same time.”

Let’s get to know more about WDC’s work. 

What are WDC’s main priorities in whale and dolphin conservation this year?

Restoring Scottish Seas, ending whaling in Norway, and turning down the man-made noise that fills the ocean.

Which regions or species are currently most in need of protection?

Right now, the minke whales who are being hunted in Norway are high on our list. In UK waters, bottlenose dolphins, like the adoption dolphins, are having to deal with lost fishing gear, noise, and habitat loss.

What recent research or campaigns are you most proud of?

At the moment, our Norway for Whales campaign. By creating awareness, we are turning hidden cruelty into public pressure and forcing governments to act. And this means we’re getting closer to our goal of ending whaling in Norway, for good.

How does WDC work with governments and policymakers to drive change?

We push for stronger regulation on fishing gear, demand enforcement on illegal whaling practices and advise governments on how best to create or manage marine protected areas.

What are the biggest challenges facing your conservation efforts right now?

Industrial noise, climate change, bycatch, habitat loss. But that’s exactly why supporters like ours matter so much.

How do you choose which whales and dolphins feature in the adoption scheme?

We pick whales and dolphins who are great characters. For example Coral, the humpback has an amazing story and is known for being one of friendly humpbacks around.

Where does adoption funding go in practical terms?

Our adopters help to create a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free by funding scientific research, policy change, campaigning and monitoring the whales and dolphins in the adoption programme. 

Can you point to a recent success directly supported by adopters?

Yes. Adopters have helped to launch a campaign called 'Quiet seas please', where we are campaigning to turn down the noise in the ocean.

How do you track and monitor adopted animals?

• In Canada we work with a land-based research centre called OrcaLab – they use hydrophones to monitor where the adoption of orcas are.
• In Scotland, we have Charlie Phillips, our Adopt a Dolphin Field Officer, who keeps us updated about the wellbeing and whereabouts of the adopted dolphins.
• The adoption humpbacks travel HUGE distances between the coast of Boston and the Caribbean each year. During their migration to warmer waters, our sources sometimes spot one of the adoption humpbacks or a member of their family.
• Otherwise, our team in the US lets us know when they see Coral, Salt, Reflection or Mars and how they’re doing.

What difference can a single adoption genuinely make?

A huge difference! Lots of our adopters have been adopting for years and each one provides steady, reliable funding that allows us to create long term plans and strategies, to create a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free.

Have you noticed shifts in public engagement with adoptions?

Yes! More people are choosing meaningful, ethical gifts, especially at Christmas. 

Which partnerships help strengthen the impact of the scheme?

OrcaLab in Canada, and our colleagues in the US, mean that we have lots of brilliant updates for our supporters about what their adoption humpback or orca has been up to. And of course Charlie Phillips in Scotland.