National Dolphin Day is marked in India every year on 5 October. The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife chose the date in 2022, to raise awareness and bring people into dolphin conservation.
This year
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday, 5 October |
| 2027 | Tuesday, 5 October |
India’s dolphins
- 6,327 river dolphins in India’s first-ever river dolphin estimate, released by the Prime Minister on . The survey covered 28 rivers in eight states; Uttar Pradesh had the most, followed by Bihar, West Bengal and Assam.
- The Gangetic river dolphin is India’s national aquatic animal. Dolphins are a sign of a healthy river.
- Project Dolphin covers river and marine dolphins; its second phase was launched in Wildlife Week 2025.
What you can do
- Don’t throw plastic or waste into rivers, and don’t use fishing nets that trap dolphins.
- Report a stranded or dead dolphin to the forest department.
Questions and answers
Related on Animal Writes
- Guides: Wildlife Week; Animal days in India
- Category: Wildlife







