This children’s article, World Dolphin Day for kids: amazing facts about dolphins and why they need protection, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and learn more about dolphins, their behaviour, and why they need protection. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, an experienced teacher and writer.
A new day for dolphins
On 12 September, people around the world celebrate World Dolphin Day. This special day was created by Sea Shepherd Global in 2022 to raise awareness about dolphins and the threats they face.
While there has long been a National Dolphin Day in the United States (celebrated on 14 April), World Dolphin Day is the first international day to focus just on dolphin protection.
The date was chosen to remember a tragic event. On 12 September 2021, more than 1,400 dolphins were killed in the Faroe Islands during a cultural tradition. Supporters of World Dolphin Day believe it is important to respect culture, but also to question practices that cause harm.
They hope this day will help protect dolphins and their marine environment for the future.
What are dolphins?
Dolphins are mammals, not fish. They breathe air from above the surface of the water, but they can hold their breath for much longer than humans. Dolphins are found in oceans and seas all over the world, and some species even live in rivers.
Dolphins eat fish, squid, and other sea creatures. They are also known for being fast swimmers, sometimes reaching speeds of more than 30 kilometres per hour.
How dolphins behave
Dolphins are incredibly intelligent animals. They live in groups called pods and communicate with clicks, whistles, and body language. They are social, playful, and often help one another.
Did you know that dolphins only sleep with half of their brain at a time? This lets them rest while still coming up to the surface to breathe.
Dolphins through time
Dolphins have lived on Earth for millions of years. They belong to a family of sea mammals called cetaceans, which also includes whales and porpoises.
Scientists continue to study dolphins to understand more about their intelligence and how they interact with one another.
Why World Dolphin Day matters
Dolphins are beautiful sea creatures, but they face many dangers. Fishing nets, pollution, hunting, and climate change all put them at risk. World Dolphin Day is about raising awareness, protecting dolphins, and making sure humans and dolphins can share the oceans happily and peacefully.
You can read more on the Sea Shepherd Global website.
Article vocabulary list
- Mammal: An animal that breathes air, gives birth to live young, and produces milk
- Awareness: Knowing and understanding something
- Tradition: A custom or practice passed down through generations
- Marine: Related to the sea
- Pod: A group of dolphins that lives together
- Cetaceans: A family of sea mammals that includes dolphins, whales, and porpoises
- Intelligent: Able to learn, understand, and solve problems
- Pollution: Harmful substances that make the environment dirty or unsafe
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. When is World Dolphin Day celebrated?
a) 14 April
b) 12 September
c) 25 December
Answer: b) 12 September
2. Which organisation created World Dolphin Day?
a) National Geographic
b) Sea Shepherd Global
c) United Nations
Answer: b) Sea Shepherd Global
3. What tragic event happened on 12 September 2021?
Answer: More than 1,400 dolphins were killed in the Faroe Islands.
4. What are groups of dolphins called?
a) Schools
b) Pods
c) Flocks
Answer: b) Pods
5. True or false: Dolphins are fish.
Answer: False – dolphins are mammals.
6. Why do dolphins only sleep with half of their brain?
Answer: So they can rest while still coming up to the surface to breathe.
Sinead is a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience. She’s a native English speaker who loves making news stories fun and easy to understand for children around the world. Her passions include travel, animals, and helping to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place.
