We’re building a gold-standard sanctuary where whales and dolphins from marine entertainment facilities can live permanently in a natural ocean environment.
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The Whale Sanctuary Project is working with you to establish a gold-standard coastal sanctuary where cetaceans (whales and dolphins) can live in an environment that maximizes well-being and autonomy and is as close as possible to their natural habitat.
Public opinion has turned against keeping whales and dolphins in captivity. The creation of this sanctuary is the first step toward our vision of a world in which all cetaceans are treated with respect and are no longer confined to concrete tanks in entertainment parks and aquariums.
There are sanctuaries for many land animals who are being retired from zoos and circuses, and now is the time to provide them for whales and dolphins. This first-of-its-kind sanctuary is being created in Port Hilford, Nova Scotia, and it is being designed to serve as a model for many more that can then be built all over the world in the coming years.
As part of our overall mission, our team of global experts also assists in the rescue, rehabilitation and care of cetaceans in the wild.
Featured This Month
Our Lead Sponsor: Munchkin, Inc.
The Whale Sanctuary Project wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Munchkin, Inc., the global leader in unique products for babies and children.
Here’s the remarkable story of how their CEO, Steven Dunn, took up the cause of captive whales.
And here’s their Miracle® 360° Wild-Love Orca Sippy Cup for youngsters. (It really won’t spill!)
By the Numbers
1,100
Number of square yards of space in a large display tank at a typical high-end marine park.
484,000
Minimum number of square yards for our first seaside sanctuary.
3,000+
Number of captive whales and dolphins at entertainment facilities around the world.
“Live Series” of Webinars
Watch our “Live Series” of webinars about whales and dolphins. More…
And see all our videos – about the sanctuary, our Whale Aid programs, and other events – on our YouTube channel.