Adopt a Shark
… and support our pioneering Global Whale Shark Conservation Program. Our ocean-friendly digital adoptions avoid packaging waste, and enable fast delivery!
Whale Shark Adoptions
All adoptions are a one-off payment.
Prices in US$.
$49
Official MMF Whale Shark Adoption Pack
Personalized PDF symbolic adoption e-certificate to print or forward to your gift recipient (as shown) featuring “Constellation”– an original image by Dr. Simon J Pierce, MMF’s co-founder.
Subscription to MMF’s Ocean Giants Magazine & our conservation updates.
Your adoption is tax-deductible in the USA – MMF is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization.
When you click the “ADOPT NOW” button, you’ll be asked to add the adoptee’s name which will be added to your certificate. The personalized certificate with download link will be emailed to you within 2 hours, 24/7.
“Our work has led to whale sharks, and their habitats, receiving protection in multiple countries.”
Dr. Simon J. Pierce
Co-Founder & Principal Scientist, Marine Megafauna Foundation.
Your whale shark adoption will help us to research and protect these globally-endangered sharks.
What have we achieved recently?
Our team led the global conservation assessment of whale sharks that recognized the species as endangered worldwide on the IUCN Red List.
Our team led the successful effort to get whale sharks protected within the 126 signatory countries to the United Nation’s Convention on Migratory Species.
We’ve helped develop and implement best-practice standards for whale shark ecotourism in multiple countries.
We’ve built national capacity for whale shark conservation and research in the developing world.
See Our Strategy and Our Work for details, and download our 2020 Annual Report to learn more about our organization.
A mission worth talking about.
We have made huge contributions to whale shark research, education and conservation and our work has been featured in a variety of global media outlets.
Learn more about our conservation work
Watch MMF on location.
Adopt a Shark FAQs
What is a symbolic whale shark adoption?
Your adoption is supporting whale sharks as a species, rather than a specific individual. They’re all ‘your’ whale shark now :)
Can I adopt an individual whale shark?
We work across the world to help whale sharks where they need the most protection, rather than where it is easiest to find them! Your adoption helps us to conserve all whale sharks, not just one. You’ll receive regular updates on all our work, rather than waiting to hear about a shark that may not be seen again.
What do you spend the contributions on?
We are a small team of multi-tasking conservationists, scientists, and educators. Your support enables all three activities, and much more. You’re helping us to conduct pioneering fieldwork, to work with communities to safeguard whale shark populations, and to train the next generation of conservationists to continue these projects and create new ones. See our main website for more. You’ll receive our quarterly magazine with updates on our work.
How does it work?
When you click the ADOPT NOW button you’ll be asked to add payment details, then add the adoptee’s name which will be added to your certificate. The personalized certificate will be emailed to you within 2 hours.
How long does it take to receive my Certificate?
Your personalized certificate and download file will be emailed to you within 2 hours of completing your purchase.