Whales and dolphins live in a world of sound. They rely on it to communicate, navigate, hunt, and stay connected with one another. But human noise is drowning it out. Imagine a pneumatic drill inside your house, a train rumbling below and a car alarm screaming nonstop.

This month, we've teamed up with BBC Wildlife to take a closer look at some of the more unusual species and celebrate some of the quirky things they get up to - which one is your favourite? 👉 tinyurl.com/jxptnspm

Do orcas grieve? This summer, our colleague and OrcaLab co-founder Helena Symonds witnessed an unforgettable moment: orcas coming together in a moving display of grief and love. A reminder that these incredible beings are deeply emotional and profoundly sentient.

Kobe Suma SeaWorld closed “due to animal circumstances” on Oct 3rd. Videos show captive orca Stella repeatedly leaping over the concrete barriers and reports of an injury to Stella raise fears that she may even have fallen from the pool. We’re asking: #WhatHappenedToStella?

“Orcatober" brings thrilling scares and vital impact! Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) protects these majestic creatures from threats like captivity. 5% of all Humble Choice purchases in Orcatober support WDC's mission. Gear up for scares that make a splash! https://bit.ly/46Zugmg

Common bottlenose dolphins have been found to have the same toxic proteins seen in humans with Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists believe it’s linked to microscopic organisms thriving in warming waters. Find out more here: tinyurl.com/yeys4run

Together, we told TUI: enough is enough. This summer, WDC and 20 other animal welfare groups represented 750,000 voices at TUI’s HQ, demanding an end to their support for captive whale and dolphin facilities. Captive breeding isn’t conservation. it’s exploitation.

Thanks to our INCREDIBLE community, in the first half of #Orcatober, we reached our goal of £5,000! There's still plenty of time to support Whale and Dolphin Conservation (International) and help end the cruelty of captivity 🐋 Sign up to stream or donate 👉 https://tiltify.com/wdc/orcatober#Orcatober

There has been a 97% drop in harbour porpoise sightings off North Wales. Scientists fear climate change and shifting fish populations are driving them away from key habitats near Bardsey Island. This alarming decline shows we must act fast to safeguard our seas.

Your legacy can protect whales & dolphins! From testing new fishing methods to tracking migrating whales and their role in the ‘Great Whale Conveyor Belt,’ our global projects are made possible by supporters like you and the gifts you leave.

Happy #WorldAnimalDay! We're celebrating every species, from the tiniest creatures to the giants of the ocean. Because of you, we’re able to make real change for the rights, welfare, & protection of whales, dolphins, & porpoises. Let’s keep showing the world just how incredible they are.

Today kicks off #Orcatober. All month long, we’ll be sharing the hidden horrors of the captivity industry, where whales and dolphins are denied freedom, dignity, and often their lives. Captivity isn’t conservation. It’s cruelty. Together, we can end it.

Good news 🥳 Morocco is now the 60th nation to sign on to the High Seas Treaty. This means, for the first time, protections against harmful human activities can extend across international waters, safeguarding countless marine species. A huge win for marine life, ocean health, and future generations.

Minke whales are the most commonly seen whales in the UK. These small baleen whales are often spotted around Scotland, especially in the Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland, from May to October. Their surface behaviour, breaching, spyhopping, and feeding on small fish and krill make them a joy to watch.

280 pilot whales killed in the latest Faroe Islands grind hunt — over 600 this year. Driven into inlets, killed with spinal lances. Despite health authorities warning of toxic contamination in whale meat, these hunts continue. #StopTheGrind

Big news! WDC’s Shorewatch co-ordinator, Katie Dyke, has been nominated for a National Biodiversity Network Award 🥳 Through Shorewatch, Katie has supported volunteers to clock up over one million minutes of watches in Scotland and record more than 30,000 whales and dolphins. 1/2

Dolphins and whales play together more than we ever realised. From 200 photos & videos worldwide, scientists found: 🐬often initiate playful behaviour. 🐳 sometimes join in by rolling, slapping fins, even flashing their bellies. Play isn’t just fun it’s vital for bonding, culture and wellbeing.

🙌 Incredible news! Huge thanks to everyone who made this possible. Who’s excited for next year?! 🎉

Today is about celebrating YOU, our incredible WDC family💙 Your support helps us fight for safer seas, an end to captivity & helps us share the horrific truth about whaling. Every action makes a difference. Please donate today to help us keep fighting for these magnificent beings: bit.ly/3AnSZRV

On Tuesday, we joined 20 NGOs at @TUI HQ in Germany with one message: stop promoting venues that exploit whales & dolphins for profit. The world is watching, TUI. Will you do the right thing? 👉 See highlights below - tinyurl.com/bdeftvb9 Which image speaks to you?

We’re thrilled to welcome @mcroft07.bsky.social as a WDC Ambassador! 🎉 Mel is an amazing bodypaint & makeup streamer who’s using her creativity to inspire people & raise awareness of our mission. 🌊 Thank you Mel for your support! 💙 @gamesforwaves.bsky.social

Two dolphins. One “party.” A tragic end. This October, Twitch streamer @mousie.yogscast.com is streaming for @whalesorg.bsky.social to fight captivity. You can join too - creators everywhere are taking part in Orcatober to raise funds & awareness. Sign up: tiltify.com/wdc/orcatober

📢 Last chance to support @whalesorg.bsky.social with the Table Top Tag Team bundle from @humblebundle.com & @marmaladegames.bsky.social! For £5.34 you can get 5 digital games including Battleship and Wings of Glory (or £10.69 for all 10 in the bundle)! Link 👉 www.humblebundle.com/games/table-...

We're is outside TUI HQ in Hanover today with an incredible coalition of NGOs to say: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. TUI is still selling tickets to venues that keep whales & dolphins in cruel captivity. We’re united: TUI must stop promoting & profiting from suffering. Are you with us?

Lottie’s back from Norway. Her mission: making sure whaling is on the political agenda ahead of September's elections. At Norway’s biggest political gathering, Arendalsuka, her message was clear — whaling must not be ignored 👉 tinyurl.com/4ck8dk5h PHOTO: ekvals from Getty Images Signature

Scientists listening deep beneath the waves off California have noticed something worrying: blue whales are singing less. Why? Their food source, krill has dwindled. Find out more here: tinyurl.com/2rb8fs7j

🔈Only TWO days left to join our Swim Serpentine team for whales and dolphins this September! Two miles. Two laps. One mission: protect whales & dolphins. 🚨 Registration closes 16:00 Thu 21 Aug – don’t miss your chance! 👉 tinyurl.com/mr2dnhur

Whales don’t belong on a menu. We had the privilege of speaking with business leader Deborah Meaden about the sale of whale meat and the role businesses play in protecting our planet. We’re proud to partner with Michelin Guide to #TakeWhalesOffTheMenu.

TUI is selling suffering as entertainment. It still promotes whale and dolphin captivity and breeding. So we’ve brought leading charities together to say: Enough. Who would you rather book with: a company that chooses compassion or one that chooses pain? 👉 tinyurl.com/mt2fnnut

Swim Free Earth 💔 At only 16 years old, Earth has sadly passed away at Port Nagoya Aquarium, Japan, after refusing food for several days. Born in captivity and taken from his mother at age seven, he lived his life in a concrete tank. Now, his aunt Rin remains alone. 1/2

See the impact of your gaming with @jinglejam.co.uk ! We're happy to bring you another update from Solinia in Peru, including the amazing new boat funded by Jingle Jam 2024! 🎉

For decades, whales and dolphins have been confined to tanks, bred for profit, exploited for entertainment, and too often dying in captivity. Despite their policies, #TUI continues to support this cruelty by backing facilities that keep the cycle going. 1/2

A deadly algae bloom in South Australia now threatens the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Over 13,000 fish, shellfish, rays, sharks, and other species have been killed so far 👉 tinyurl.com/2s3rctre 📷 Oliver Wieczorek

The UK hunted whales for 350+ years, ending only in the 1960s. John Burton, part of a 1950s whaling crew, was so impacted by the experience he became an anti-whaling advocate. He shares his story with Matt Sowerby in a powerful reflection 👉 tinyurl.com/3p3nb4vx

Keeping 🐋&🐬in tanks isn’t education, it’s a horror show. Young advocate Leo is fed up with young people being used as an excuse for animal cruelty. 👉Watch his video & decide - are you with him? youtu.be/Vfnj-kOK498 #DontGoToTheShow #WhoWouldYouRatherBookWith #EndCaptivity #EmptyTheTanks

TUI is still promoting captive cruelty. Whales and dolphins are social, intelligent beings but TUI continues to support attractions that imprison them, like Loro Parque, in conflict with their own animal welfare policy. Photo credit: Daniel Fontes / Pexels

Confi, a young, solitary dolphin who became well-known in Galicia, Spain has died. Despite public warnings and legal protection, many people continued to try and swim with him. Sadly, he was recently found dead in a dock, with clear signs of a propeller strike. Image: CEMMA

TUI refuses to stop profiting from the suffering of captive whales and dolphins. We’ve had enough. More pressure is needed, so we’ve joined with other leading NGOs to form a powerful coalition to expose TUI’s part in driving the suffering. And you can join us. 1/4

Fish populations in the seas around Japan have hit a record low and the fishing industry is feeling the pressure. Could this be a turning point? WDC’s Katrin was at the Ocean Summit in Tokyo, where even the Prime Minister called for urgent action to restore the ocean.

Orcas have been seen giving themselves kelp massages! Researchers call it "allokelping", a behaviour that may help with skincare or social bonding. Most commonly seen in Southern Resident orcas, it’s yet another reminder of how complex and fascinating these dolphins truly are. #WorldOrcaWeek

Did you know whales and dolphins have unique cultures? 🌊 From migration routes to hunting skills, this knowledge can be passed down through generations and can shape their survival.

It’s #WorldOrcaDay! Let’s talk about one of the strangest orca mysteries: Are orcas wearing salmon as hats? 🎩 Southern Resident orcas have been seen placing dead salmon on their heads... and not eating them. 1/2

Huayrurín, the last captive Amazon River dolphin, has died at 19 due to a cardiac arrest. Rescued as a calf when his mother died in a fishing net, he has spent nearly his entire life in captivity 👉 tinyurl.com/2j8peezn 1/2

An early and busy morning at #DevelopBrighton! 🏖️ Sally has been out on Brighton beach with other attendees and they've picked a huge 12 kilograms of litter 😱 Thanks to all who joined in, and make sure to find Sally if you're looking to network about game dev and charity this week at Develop!

BREAKING: Mexico bans dolphin and marine mammal shows! 🎉 A major win for ending whale and dolphin captivity worldwide. Find out more here: tinyurl.com/3pr4hkns #DontGoToTheShow Image: Paul Knight

Amazing images from @xpandinghorizons.bsky.social. I think the top left is a personal favourite.

Do you know humpback whales have evolved a unique way of catching food called 'bubble-net feeding'? Working together, they swim beneath schools of small fish or krill and blow spirals of bubbles to create a “net,” trapping their prey in a tight ball. 1/2

Ghost gear - lost and abandoned fishing gear is killing whales, dolphins & marine life in UK seas -but thanks to your support, we’re taking action to stop it. 1/2

Heartbreaking: Captive orca #Kamea has died at just 11 years old at #SeaWorldSanAntonio. Wild orcas live 50–90 years. In captivity, their lives are tragically short. 👉 tinyurl.com/3478mrx6 #DontGoToTheShow - let her generation be the last. 🐋 Image: Floppyfins photography

🎉 NO WHALING IN ICELAND THIS SUMMER! 🐋 We shared the amazing news back in April that fin whale hunting in Iceland was being paused and now it gets even better! The last remaining minke whaler is selling their boat, which means one incredible thing: