MEET THE WHALES

The whales each have their own unique personalities - click on the whale you'd like to adopt.

Each whale has their own unique personality and they're all incredible individuals with their own stories to tell. Whales are the largest animals on the planet but also among the most vulnerable. When you adopt a whale you will help to protect them all from the dangers they face such as whaling, vessel strikes, pollution, and fishing gear entanglements.

WDC researchers know these humpbacks individually through their natural markings and have constructed life histories (including familial ties) for these adoptable whales.

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  Reflection

  Reflection is definitely an image of beauty. An adult female and mother of three, she was named for her symmetrical fluke pattern, but it is her feeding ballet that makes her recognizable from a distance. Her face out of the water followed by a splash of her fluke is how she captures fish

  Adopt Reflection now

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  Colt

  Colt is a large mature male with an amazing sense of curiosity. Staying close, circling and diving under the boats, COLT has, literally, held audiences captive making many whale watch boats late back to the dock.

  Adopt Colt now

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  Salt

  Salt is the movie star of whales and we are her paparazzi. She was first identified in 1975 and is one of the most distinguished and photographed humpback whales in the world. A mother of 12 known calves and a grandmother, she commands the respect of everyone who sees her.

  Adopt Salt now

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  Pepper

  Pepper, the "southpaw", is a mature female that was first identified in 1976. Like people, most humpbacks are "righties" but not Pepper and that's not the only trait that makes her stand out in the crowd. She's also kept two of her 10 calves with her for two years!

  Adopt Pepper now

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  Coral

  Coral is a mature male who perseveres in the face of adversity. Attacked by orcas as a newborn, he was only three years old when he lost his mother to a fishing gear entanglement, a fate he, fortunately, was able to survive as an adult.

  Adopt Coral now

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  Crystal

  Crystal is Salt's first born and has 11 brothers and sisters. Never one to be shy, he is easily identified and has been sighted both in the southern breeding grounds of the West Indies and also in the northern feeding area of the Gulf of Maine.

  Adopt Crystal now

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  Mars

  Mars is a strong female aptly named after the Roman god of war. Scarred but not broken, MARS has eleven known calves and is an active grandmother, often seen breaching and socializing.

  Adopt Mars now

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  Midnight

  Midnight, or "Ms. Petite", is a small mature female humpback, but don't let her modest size fool you. She is a very determined and productive whale. While she is often alone and focused, she has also been a doting mother to her eight known calves.

  Adopt Midnight now

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  Sirius

  Sirius, the strong, silent and complicated male. An entanglement scar on his tail stock bears witness to past struggles but he never lets on as he sometimes confidently approaches boats with a sense of curiosity or takes a deep dive and disappears.

  Adopt Sirius now

All images were obtained on vessels adhering to NOAA's Northeast Regional Whale Watching Guidelines

WHY ADOPT

Whales are highly intelligent, social and mysterious. But they face many dangers.

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  In the past more than 100,000 humpbacks were killed by whalers for their oil. Shockingly, despite the ban on commercial whaling, thousands of whales, including humpbacks are still slaughtered every year for their meat . Your whale adoption will enable us to fight until commercial whaling is consigned to the history books – for good.

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  You can support the important research, conservation and protection of whales and dolphins around the world by "adopting" a humpback whale. Learning more about these animals, the environment in which they live, and the threats they face will greatly increase their chances of survival. Please join WDC in our fight to build a better future for the animals we strive to protect.

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  When you adopt a whale, you will be helping to fund our work protecting whales around the world including:

  • The work of WDC researchers who catalog and monitor humpback whales along the east coast.
  • WDC campaigners who ensure effective laws are in place to protect these remarkable creatures and give them a safer future.
  • The work of our talented and dedicated team. We work hard to keep your whale safe and will update you on your humpback.

WHAT WILL YOU GET?

When you adopt a whale you will know that you have helped to protect these amazing animals! Plus you'll receive these awesome items.

Regular updates

As well as your adoption packet you will receive regular WDC updates. We will keep you informed with our electronic and print communications with news about our life-saving work and your adopted whale. You can also call, email, or connect with us on facebook, twitter, or other WDC outlets to share in our experiences and efforts.

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  Standard Whale Adoption Pack - $30 minimum donation

  • A personalized certificate with a photograph of their adopted whale
  • An Individual profile of your adopted whale
  • Fascinating facts and figures about humpback whales
  • A window decal/Sticker
  • WDC Newsletters including sightings updates of the adopted whales and how your adoption is helping to save whales and dolphins worldwide
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  Deluxe Whale Adoption Pack - $55 minimum donation

  • A personalized certificate with a photograph of their adopted whale
  • An Individual profile of your adopted whale
  • Fascinating facts and figures about humpback whales
  • A window decal/Sticker
  • WDC Newsletters including sightings updates of the adopted whales and how your adoption is helping to save whales and dolphins worldwide PLUS an exciting and educational DVD featuring WDC adoptable humpback whales

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Protecting whales is priceless – however you play an active role by adopting a whale from as little as $30 a year.

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  Your adoption will help to protect whales around the world. By supporting our efforts you will directly impact the animals we strive to protect. On average 85% of the funds we raise go directly to support programs and impact change.

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  As well as receiving a fantastic welcome pack on your whale, you can also keep up to date with our work through Facebook and Twitter.

  Adopt me!