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Humpback whale © Christopher Swann

Migration Patterns of Humpback Whales

Kidzone - quick links Fun Facts Curious kids Blogs Fantastic fundraisers Gallery Splish and Splash...
We're at COP28 to Save the Whale, Save the World.

We’re at COP28 to save the whale, save the world

Ed Goodall Ed is WDC's head of intergovernmental engagement. He meets with world leaders to...
Gray whales from drone.

We’re taking steps to uncover the mysteries of whales

Vicki James Vicki is WDC's protected areas coordinator, she helps to create safe ocean spaces...
We must protect our non-human allies. Image: Tom Brakefield, aurore murguet, johan63

We’re urging governments to protect all of our climate heroes – CITES

Katie Hunter Katie supports WDC's engagement in intergovernmental conversations and is working to end captivity...

New film looks at the issue of whale and dolphin rights

By All Rights, a new documentary by US filmmaker Stan Minasian, is the first documentary to tackle the issue of whales’ and dolphins’ emerging rights: Rights to life, and to freedom.

It includes amazing footage, including a remarkable rescue of entangled sperm whales, where the whales wait patiently for rescuers to free them. It also contains interviews with key scientists and a renowned philosopher, exploring the case for rights.

“This isn’t a moral leap of faith. It’s an ethical inevitability,” says WDC’s Senior Biologist, Philippa Brakes. “This film is important because it explores an issue core to the philosophy of WDC and our supporters.”

George Osterkamp of CBS News, says: “It is hard to take your eyes off the screen. The photography is extraordinary, and the case for whale and dolphin rights is made calmly and clearly. It is the most reasoned and compelling argument for animal rights that I have seen.

WDC urges everyone who cares about whales and dolphins to watch the film (available online for free until Feb 26th). Add your voice by signing the Declaration of rights for cetaceans: whales and dolphins.

Philippa, who leads WDC’s work on rights, furthers the argument:  
Whales and dolphins are undoubtedly intelligent, sentient, individuals. Each with their own life story. As we start to regard them as a ‘who’ not a ‘what’, and learn about social structures, communication, how whales share information, and form unique cultures; inevitably we also challenge how we treat them. This film is not about giving human rights to whales and dolphins; it is about recognising whales and dolphins as smart individuals. It’s about no longer turning a blind eye, to their suffering, and to the realities that the science is shouting at us.