Diving Deep: Our journey with Whale and Dolphin Conservation
Looking back at more than a decade of partnership
12th February 2025
For the last 10 years, Animal Friends has been deeply committed to protecting our oceans and the incredible creatures that call them home. We've been incredibly fortunate to partner with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), who share our passion.
From supporting vital research to raising awareness about the crucial role whales and dolphins play in our ecosystem, our journey with WDC has been one of shared passion and impactful collaboration.
Join us as we look back at the last decade, celebrating the special milestones we've reached together and the positive impact we've made for these gentle giants of the sea…
Where it all began
December 2014: Our journey with WDC began with our first donation of £20,000 at Christmas, marking the start of a long-standing commitment to their important work.
July 2019: We gained firsthand experience of WDC's incredible work by visiting their Scottish Dolphin Centre in Spey Bay. We also got to take part in their Shorewatch programme in Burghead, contributing valuable data on dolphin movements and behaviour. Our time in Scotland provided invaluable insights into the charity’s research and conservation efforts.
August 2021: Having learnt just how important these sites and surveys were to the future of whales and dolphins, we donated £11,470 to support the continuation of the Shorewatch programme. This contribution was crucial in ensuring that the work could continue during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to fund equipment upgrades and essential health and safety items.
October 2021: We proudly joined the Climate Giants Project, an initiative spearheaded by WDC to raise awareness about the critical role whales and dolphins play in mitigating climate change. Working together, we are contributing to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future for whales, dolphins, and the entire marine ecosystem.
December 2021: As part of our £100k Christmas Giveaway, we invited our customers, colleagues, and followers to vote for the charity closest to their hearts. WDC received the most votes, and we donated £50,000 towards crucial conservation efforts, including the protection of endangered species like narwhals.
December 2023: Ever wondered about the secret lives of whales and dolphins, and how they contribute to a healthy ocean? We explored these very questions in an episode of our podcast, "A Walk in the Park," featuring our friends from WDC. We dove deep (pun intended!) into the wonders of the marine world and uncovered the vital role these magnificent creatures play.
April 2024: Building upon our support for the Climate Giants Project, we contributed £10,000 to Animocean. This groundbreaking project aims to develop the first-ever computer model to quantify the impact of marine mammals on carbon sequestration (removing/capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere). As such, the Animocean project should provide crucial data to support climate action.
Into 2025 and beyond…
Looking back at the milestones we've celebrated together, we're filled with hope for the future of whale and dolphin conservation. Our commitment to WDC remains steadfast, and we look forward to continuing our support through donations, legislative efforts, and collaborating on future projects.
Here's to the next ten years, and many more, of working together to ensure a healthy future for our oceans and the incredible animals that call them home.
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