A little reason to celebrate
National Dolphin Day
Animal ยท April 14
A day for dolphins, the social, clever marine mammals that breathe air, hunt with sound and live in close family groups.
National Dolphin Day falls on Wednesday, April 14, 2027. That is 169 days away.
Dolphins are marine mammals, not fish. They breathe air through a blowhole on the top of the head, give birth to live young and nurse their calves. Most species live in the ocean, and a few live in rivers.
They are known for being social. Many dolphins travel in groups called pods, and they keep in touch with clicks, whistles and body movements. Some scientists think certain dolphins use signature whistles that work a little like names. To find food in murky water, dolphins use echolocation, sending out clicks and listening for the echoes that bounce back from fish and other objects.
Watching them is a large part of the appeal. A dolphin riding the bow wave of a boat looks as if it has somewhere better to be and is enjoying the trip anyway. People mark the day by reading about the dozens of dolphin species, watching wildlife documentaries, or heading to a coastline where dolphins are sometimes seen from shore.
If you do spot one in the wild, the kind thing is to give it room. Wild dolphins do best when people watch from a distance and do not feed them or swim after them.
The orca, often called the killer whale, is the largest member of the dolphin family.
Ways to celebrate
- Watch a nature documentary about dolphins and their pods.
- Look for dolphins from a beach or pier, keeping a respectful distance.
- Learn the difference between a dolphin and a porpoise.
- Pick up litter on a beach or riverbank near you.
- Listen to recordings of dolphin clicks and whistles online.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Tuesday, April 14 |
| 2027 | Wednesday, April 14 |
| 2028 | Friday, April 14 |
| 2029 | Saturday, April 14 |
| 2030 | Sunday, April 14 |
Also on April 14
Categories: Animal days