World Oceans Day
Do you know what today is? It’s World Oceans Day! World Oceans Day is an international day that takes place annually on June 8th. The concept was originally proposed in 1992 by Canada’s International Centre for Ocean Development (ICOD) and the Ocean Institute of Canada (OIC) at the Earth Summit – UN Conference on Environment and Development. World Oceans Day supports the implementation of worldwide Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as generates interest from the public in protection of the ocean. Home to over 230,000 different species, the ocean is mysterious and truly magnificent! Here we explore three unique species that call the ocean home.
Dolphins
While some dolphins live in fresh water rivers, the majority of wild dolphins live in the ocean, and ocean water is far too salty for them to drink. In fact, if dolphins drank this salt water, their body would have to use more water just to get rid of all that salt. In order to get some shut eye and stay safe from predators, they will sleep by only using one side of their brain at a time. This allows them to surface for air when they need to, and to be alert for possible risks.
FUN FACTS
Species: Mammal
Average Life Span: 45-50 years
Size: 10-14 feet
Weight: 500 kg
Diet: Carnivore
Fun Facts: Dolphins communicate verbally, with squeaks and whistles; these sounds create echoes that help them to find their food underwater. The sounds travel underwater until they hit an object, then they bounce back and this lets the dolphin know where their prey is, how large it is and its shape. This is called echolocation
Sea Turtles
Sea turtles live in almost every ocean basin throughout the world, nesting on tropical and subtropical beaches. They migrate long distances to feed, often crossing entire oceans. Sea turtles typically live between 30 and 50 years. However, there are some documented cases of sea turtles living as long as 150 years!
FUN FACTS
Species: Reptile
Average life Span: 50 years
Size: 36 inches (90cm)
Weight: 253 lbs
Diet: Carnivore
Fun Facts: Sea turtles are the largest turtles on earth and they have soft shells. Mature females usually return to where they were hatched to lay their own eggs, this could be up to thousands of miles away. Sea turtles are slow moving on land but they can move through the water at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.
Humpback Whale
Whales live in all the world’s oceans, communicating through complex and beautiful sounds. And they’re massive; the blue whale can weigh as much as 200 tons, making it the largest animal on the planet. At the top of the food chain, whales play a vital role in the overall health of the environment.
FUN FACTS
Species: Mammal
Average Life Span: 5-50 years
Size: 48-62.5 feet
Diet: Omnivore
Fun Facts: Humpback whales are known for their magical songs that travel great distances through the oceans. These songs are made up of moans, howls, cries and other noises and often go on for many hours. Humpback whales migrate annually from near the poles to warmer waters near the equator. They appear to be very affectionate with their young, swimming close together and touching fins.
Ocean Animal Fun Facts Poster
Thank you for joining us in celebrating World Oceans Day! But what is a celebration without a little surprise treat to take-away! Print your very own ocean animal fact poster here. See an animal you love? All our ocean animals can be found here to bring home.
