Today marks the fifth anniversary of World Wildlife Day, the United Nations-backed celebration of all the animals that share our planet. And this is the first year that World Wildlife Day is focusing on marine life. Fin whales, like the one in our photo today, are listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the conservation status rankings. So, they’re threatened by climate change, pollution, shipping, and other concerns, but they’ve bounced back from the brink since the early 1900s, by which time centuries of whaling crews had hunted fin whales to near extinction.
Fin whales: A success story
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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200th anniversary of Brazilian independence
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A tree amid the Tetons
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Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Washington, DC
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Let s face it: It s World Emoji Day
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Pasadena Chalk Festival supports local arts education
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A hit ballet, long after its debut
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Why does this panda cub look so happy?
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Baddest of the badlands
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In the Garden of Europe
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A meerkat stands alone
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Beavers Bend
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The Guggenheim turns 60
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A bridge that rocks
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Moselle River loop near Kröv, Germany
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An aviation celebration
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International Cheetah Day
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The tale of squirrels like Nutkin
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The glowing waters of the Matsu Islands
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Make your list and check it twice
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Crested caracaras
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Space is for everyone
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Bluebells in Hertfordshire, England
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A notorious advocate for women
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Why do elephants hide in trees?
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Gateway to America
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Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, Australia
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Black History Month
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American bison
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Mod gear
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Castle Frankenstein in Darmstadt, Germany