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We're at COP28 to Save the Whale, Save the World.

We’re at COP28 to save the whale, save the world

Ed Goodall Ed is WDC's head of intergovernmental engagement. He meets with world leaders to...
Gray whales from drone.

We’re taking steps to uncover the mysteries of whales

Vicki James Vicki is WDC's protected areas coordinator, she helps to create safe ocean spaces...
We must protect our non-human allies. Image: Tom Brakefield, aurore murguet, johan63

We’re urging governments to protect all of our climate heroes – CITES

Katie Hunter Katie supports WDC's engagement in intergovernmental conversations and is working to end captivity...
The Natütama Foundation are dedicated to protecting endangered river dolphins. Image: Natutama

Guardians of the Amazon: protecting the endangered river dolphins

Ali Wood Ali is WDC's education projects coordinator. She is the editor of Splash! and KIDZONE,...
Amazon river dolphins. Image: Fernando Trujillo/Fundacion Omacha

Amazon tragedy as endangered river dolphins die in hot water

Ali Wood Ali is WDC's education projects coordinator. She is the editor of Splash! and KIDZONE,...
Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin © Mike Bossley/WDC

WDC in Japan – Part 3: Restoring freedom to dolphins in South Korea

Katrin Matthes Katrin is WDC's communications and campaigns officer for policy & communication in Germany...
Wintery scene in Iceland

Seeking sanctuary – Iceland’s complex relationship with whales

Hayley Flanagan Hayley is WDC's engagement officer, specialising in creating brilliant content for our website...
Whaling ship Hvalur 8 arrives at the whaling station with two fin whales

A summer of hope and heartbreak for whales in Icelandic waters

Luke McMillan Luke is WDC's Head of hunting and captivity. Now that the 2023 whaling season...

WDC honors victim of Sandy Hook tragedy on anniversary

WDC is proud to help honor one of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy through our work and would like to share what their family shared with us regarding the upcoming anniversary of their loss.  The families of those lost in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting express their gratitude for the global outpouring of support they have received in the past year and ask for privacy this weekend.  They ask specifically that “On the one year mark of that horrific day, we know that many people across the country will be thinking of the children and educators so tragically taken from us, and wondering how to help.  We ask that you consider performing an act of kindness or volunteering with a charitable organization in your local community.  In this way, we hope that some small measure of good may be returned to the world.”

If you choose to honor those lost in this tragedy with a charitable gift please support one of the charities that all 26 families affected by the tragedy embrace The Sandy Ground Project: Where Angels Play or contribute to The Jessica Rekos Foundation. You can also visit the website designed by the families to serve as a singular place of sharing, communication, and contact with the families of those who lost their lives that day: My Sandy Hook Family.

This ‘species guide’ is very special to WDC. The whales were drawn by Jessica Rekos as part of her own whale research project.  Jessica was a beautiful 6 year-old whose life was taken on December 14, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT.

Jessica devoted a lot of time to “researching” whales and learning as much as she could about them. Shortly after their devastating loss, her family and friends began a quest to honor the amazing girl they lost too soon. WDC is lucky to be one of the organizations they chose to partner with to honor Jessica’s life.  In 2013, their support allowed ten interns the opportunity to gain experience in the renowned living laboratory here at WDC. We are honored to help her spirit live on through her passion for whales.

By all accounts, anyone who knew Jessica during her young life was blessed to share time with her. Here at WDC, we’re saddened by the fact that tragedy brought her into our lives. None the less, we’ve been touched by an angel and motivated by her family’s perseverance, spirit, and amazing fortitude. Having the honor to pay tribute to Jessica drives everyone at WDC to do more, care more, and make every opportunity count – both personally and professionally.

Many thanks and heartfelt gratitude to the Rekos Family for sharing this image with WDC and for the honor of being part of Jessica’s legacy through our work. Everyone at WDC will be paying tribute to Jessica and her extraordinary family this week and always.