International Whale Shark Day Aug 30, 2025

If you"ve never seen an over- 10-metre, polka-dotted fish gliding past coral reefs, you are missing out. Today is International Whale Shark Day, a reminder that these slow-motion giants need our attention. First observed in 2008, the day is used by researchers and marine advocates to spotlight conservation efforts and threats like vessel strikes, plastic pollution and unregulated tourism. Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the sea, but don"t let the word "shark" fool you. They"re plankton-eating giants with no interest in humans. Found in warm waters from the Maldives and Mozambique to Mexico"s Yucatán coast, they often show up in food-rich, calm waters. Their mouths can stretch over a metre wide, but they feed by suction, not biting.

© Bachir Moukarzel/Amazing Aerial Agency

palette

Today in History

Aug 30, 2023Celebrating sibling bonds
There’s more to Pisa than leaning towers
Aug 30, 2024International Whale Shark Day

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Aug 3, 2025Blooming sunflowers
Apr 17, 2024Rama Navami
Stealthy pollinators
Jul 24, 2025Adalaj Stepwell, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Nov 30, 2023Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK
Oct 2, 2025Gandhi Jayanti
Oct 15, 2023European hedgehog
Oct 22, 2023Astoria-Megler Bridge, Oregon
Jan 27, 2025Zoroaster Temple, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, United States
Jul 30, 2024San Gimignano, Siena, Italy
The ancient home of the Minoans
A different kind of toucan
Nov 13, 2025Quiver trees, Keetmanshoop, Namibia
Mar 7, 2024Roques de Benet, Els Ports Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain
Spanning the soft sunlight
Guanahacabibes National Park, Cuba
Dec 5, 2023Castles in the Bavarian Alps
Oct 29, 2025Ancient til trees in Fanal Forest, Madeira, Portugal
The Royal touch
Feb 1, 2024Aýna, Albacete, Spain
A curious little otter pup
Dec 8, 2023La Rocque Harbour, Island of Jersey
Combine wind and water, and you’ll get...
The sun sets on the Valley of the Moon
Mar 21, 2024International Day of Forests
Warm light through an ancient forest
May 17, 2024Endangered Species Day
Nov 20, 2024Olive grove, Valle dItria, Puglia, Italy
Sep 6, 2025Pacific Park, Santa Monica State Beach, California, United States
Apr 29, 2025Garden at Château de Villandry, Loire Valley, France