Whale Sanctuary
Port Hilford Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada / Global · 45.18°N · 61.78°W
Creating natural seaside sanctuaries to end the captivity of whales and dolphins.
About Whale Sanctuary
The Whale Sanctuary Project is creating a coastal sanctuary for whales and dolphins retired from captivity, and supports marine mammal rescue worldwide.
Thousands of whales and dolphins still live in captivity in entertainment venues around the world, confined to tanks that are a tiny fraction of the ranges they would cover in the ocean. For animals this intelligent and social, life in a concrete enclosure cannot meet their needs.
The Whale Sanctuary Project exists to end that exploitation by building a genuine alternative. Its central work is developing a model seaside sanctuary in Port Hilford Bay, Nova Scotia, offering vastly more space than any tank and designed to be a gold standard that can be replicated elsewhere.
Alongside the sanctuary, the organisation runs Whale Aid efforts that assist marine mammal rescues and strandings internationally, carries out scientific research to deepen understanding of these animals, and engages the public through education, community outreach and webinars.
Seaside sanctuaries already work for many land animals, and with public opinion turning against keeping whales and dolphins captive, the project argues the moment for change has come. Support helps build the sanctuary, aid animals in crisis and advance a future in which cetaceans live with greater freedom and respect.
Sanctuary creation
Building a coastal sanctuary where captive whales and dolphins can live in natural waters.
Whale Aid
Supporting marine mammal rescue and response efforts around the world.
Science and research
Deepening understanding of whale and dolphin welfare, behaviour and care.
Projects & appeals
Be part of the movement
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