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Whale and Dolphin Conservancy
Our mission is To amaze people with the wonder of whales and dolphins and inspire global action to protect them. Our vision of a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free is not a noble gesture, but an essential means to sustain the future of our Earth by increasing the planet’s climate resiliency.
Hunted since the 11th century, North Atlantic right whales were nearly extinct when they finally received protection from whaling in 1935. Even so, the population has struggled to recover as they face mounting modern-day threats from accidental entanglements in fishing gear, vessel strikes, and climate change.
In 2024, it was estimated that fewer than 360 remain, with fewer than 70 breeding females who are essential to the long-term survival of the species. We lost 2% of the right whale population in 2024 alone.
Financials
Programs
Marine Animal Rescue And Response
In our Marine Animal Rescue and Response program, WDC's team acts as first responders to marine mammals who are in distress. We call these events "strandings" and there are two different types.
First are live strandings. Live strandings are when a marine mammal is alive but needs medical intervention or is unable to get back to the water on their own.
The other type of stranding is for animals who have died. WDC’s rescue and response team will do examinations of the deceased animal to see if there are any signs of injury or disease and learn more about why that animal died.