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About us

WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation is the leading charity dedicated to the protection of whales and dolphins.

Our vision

A world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free.

Every whale and dolphin - safe & free

There are 4 vital ways that we are fighting for the survival of whales and dolphins.

Together we can:

Corky, an orca (killer whale) in captivity at SeaWorld

End captivity

Whales and dolphins have a right to live free and healthy lives. These highly intelligent individuals should not suffer for human entertainment.

Japanese whaler with harpoon hunting minke whales

Stop whaling

Commercial whaling is illegal. And yet, every year, Japan, Norway and Iceland kill around 1,500 whales.

Humpback whale in Antarctica

Create healthy seas

Commercial fishing, oil and gas drilling, and shipping are threatening the lives of whales and dolphins.

Common dolphin trapped in net

Prevent deaths in nets

Hundreds of thousands of whales and dolphins are accidentally caught and killed by commercial fishing fleets every year.

How we work

We are authorities on whale and dolphin issues, and we are passionate about what we do. We work globally through campaigns, lobbying, advising governments, conservation projects, field research, rescue, education and much more.

We operate at international meetings and work across many seas and oceans, as well as through our offices in the UK, North America, Germany and Australia.

Our values

Passion – We care deeply about whales and dolphins, and we share this passion with our supporters.

Integrity – Our work is backed by robust research, science and philosophy. We are the authority on whales and dolphins and the threats they face.

Inclusiveness – WDC does not work alone. Our supporters are at the heart of what we do. We also work with other NGOs, communities and governments to achieve real protection for whales and dolphins.

Courage – We are not afraid to take on big business, governments or industries whose actions harm whales and dolphins.

Our successes

Whales and dolphins face threats each and every day but every day our supporters, volunteers and partners make an invaluable contribution to our work. We are extremely grateful for this support.

Take a look at some of WDC’s achievements in the past year that you helped to make possible!

End captivity

Stop whaling

Create healthy seas

Prevent deaths in nets

Upheld ban on commercial whaling

More protection for dolphins in New Zealand

Reducing fishing gear threat to right whales

Whale meat no longer moved through EU ports

Marine protected area created in Bangladesh

UK commits to reduce death in nets

Marine protected area created in Antarctica

US import of captured beluga whale stopped

Speed limit for ships along the US east coast

Harbour porpoise homes protected in UK

Online whale meat sales stopped in Japan

World's first beluga whale sanctuary

Please care for whales and dolphins by taking action today.

Today there are around 3,000 whales and dolphins held captive in aquariums, zoos and marine parks. One day, we’ll look back on this time and think, how could this barbaric cruelty ever have been considered entertainment? Help us end captivity now.