National Dolphin Day

The day of April 14 is dedicated to some of the smartest mammals on Earth; we celebrate National Dolphin Day and continue to admire the intelligence and extraordinary abilities of these incredible creatures.

History

The evolution of dolphins goes back millions of years. Four-legged land creatures returned to the water, adapting to live in that environment. Unfortunately, people sometimes hunt dolphins, and their numbers are declining, threatening them with extinction. This holiday draws attention to a critical issue within the framework of environmental conservation. In 2009, National Geographic staff members presented a documentary investigating cases of mass extermination of dolphins off the coast of Japan. The film, directed by Louie Psihoyos, sparked worldwide interest in dolphin conservation.

Fun Facts

Dolphins have unique hearing abilities, distinguishing sound vibrations at frequencies inaccessible to humans.

1. There are 40 species of dolphins. The most common and well-known is the bottlenose dolphin.
2. Dolphins prefer shallow waters. At greater depths, they use a special method of communication—echolocation—which helps them find relatives, warn of dangers, and navigate in the water.
3. Dolphins migrate in schools of up to 1,000 individuals. If a member is sick or injured, they help and care for them, providing food and protection.
4. Dolphins are featured in fairy tales, children’s books, cartoons, and wildlife films. These animals are happy to participate in full-scale filming and are not afraid of people.
5. Dolphins have strong family ties. The young do not separate from their mothers for up to eight years.
6. Dolphins never fully sleep. When they rest, one half of their brain remains awake while the other sleeps.

On this holiday, people often make donations to charities involved in the protection of rare fauna. Everyone can help, and any amount is important. People also raise public awareness by creating thematic blog posts, highlighting how rising ocean temperatures affect marine life, including dolphins.

When is National Dolphin Day in 2025?

National Dolphin Day is observed on April 14 each year.

Observations