Happy World Whale Day! 16 Feb 2025

On the third Sunday of February, World Whale Day highlights the beauty of whales and the challenges they face. This year, on February 16, we honour these majestic creatures, like the humpback whale pictured in today"s image, known for its enchanting songs and dramatic breaches. World Whale Day began in 1980 in Maui, Hawaii, led by Greg Kauffman of the Pacific Whale Foundation, to protect humpbacks from extinction. Today, it urges global action on threats like ocean pollution, climate change and habitat loss.

© Chase Dekker/Minden Pictures

palette

Today in History

Why is this cliffside ablaze?
16 Feb 2024Female pyrrhuloxia in Texas, USA
16 Feb 2026Jorvik Viking Festival

More Desktop Wallpapers:

5 Dec 2025Maya site of Copán
13 Oct 2025Starling murmuration over the ruins of Brightons West Pier, England
17 Jun 2025Maritime forest in Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia, United States
Season of light in the City of Light
1 Feb 2026Colourful house in Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil
24 Feb 2025Giant cuttlefish, Whyalla, South Australia, Australia
1 Nov 2023Haut-Barr Castle
21 Oct 2023International Archaeology Day
A touch of magic
A symbol of peace
26 Mar 2024Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam
Last night of the Proms
Blue as far as the eye can see
Happy Boxing Day!
5 Mar 2025Khao Sok National Park in Thailand
3 Jan 2024J.R.R. Tolkien Day
17 Apr 2026International Bat Appreciation Day
An architectural masterpiece fit for a king
19 Oct 2023Mekong River Delta, Long An, Vietnam
23 Feb 2026Great white egret, Upper Bavaria, Germany
20 Sep 2025Oktoberfest begins!
6 Oct 2023Taughannock Falls State Park, New York
18 Aug 2024The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
Heads together
15 Sep 2024Stockholm Public Library, Sweden
13 May 2026Arch and Milky Way, Alabama Hills, California, United States
28 Oct 2025The Gothic Gate in the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, Czechia
A sea of humanity
4 Dec 2023International Cheetah Day
Go fly a kite!