International Whale Shark Day Aug 30, 2025

International Whale Shark Day

If you"ve never seen an over- 10-metre, polka-dotted fish gliding past coral reefs, you are missing out. Today is International Whale Shark Day, a reminder that these slow-motion giants need our attention. First observed in 2008, the day is used by researchers and marine advocates to spotlight conservation efforts and threats like vessel strikes, plastic pollution and unregulated tourism. Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the sea, but don"t let the word "shark" fool you. They"re plankton-eating giants with no interest in humans. Found in warm waters from the Maldives and Mozambique to Mexico"s Yucatán coast, they often show up in food-rich, calm waters. Their mouths can stretch over a metre wide, but they feed by suction, not biting.

© Bachir Moukarzel/Amazing Aerial Agency

palette

Today in History

Aug 30, 2023Celebrating sibling bonds
There’s more to Pisa than leaning towers
Aug 30, 2024International Whale Shark Day

More Desktop Wallpapers:

We’ve identified these ‘flying objects’
Aug 12, 2025World Elephant Day
Dec 9, 2023India gate, New Delhi, India
Oct 1, 2024Yosemite National Park, California, USA
What are these beautiful birds?
Birthplace of the Renaissance
Nov 16, 2023World Philosophy Day
Mar 24, 2025African elephants in Namibia
Aug 25, 2025Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States
Napping near the North Pole
Jul 8, 2025Seceda, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy
May 24, 2024Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, Huesca, Spain
Nov 9, 2024Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Here we go!
Nov 13, 2025Quiver trees, Keetmanshoop, Namibia
Feb 21, 2024Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Nov 1, 2024Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
Shining city on the hill
Dec 12, 2023Red poinsettia
Feb 13, 2024Marigny, New Orleans, USA
Jun 29, 2024Tour de France 2024
Feb 28, 2024Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
Whats so funny?
Dec 12, 2024Poinsettia
Dec 15, 2025Spiegelgracht canal in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dec 16, 2024Salzburg, Austria
Jul 7, 2024Rice terraces of Mù Cang Chải, Yên Bái province, Vietnam
Aug 31, 2023Saguaro cacti, Ironwood Forest National Monument, Arizona
An architectural wonder in Rajasthan
Dec 24, 2024Silent night, sparkling lights and hearts full of joy