Adopt a dolphin and help protect these taonga species and their habitat.
Nine different species of dolphin are found around the New Zealand coast. These include the orca/killer whale and pilot whale, who despite the name are actually both dolphins. The short-beaked common, bottlenose and dusky dolphin also call the waters of Aotearoa home.
New Zealand has two unique species as well. Māui dolphins - only found on the west coast of the North Island. With an adult population estimated at just 54, their conservation status is Nationally Critical. Hector’s dolphin is Nationally Vulnerable and found around the South Island.
Threats
Around New Zealand, many dolphin populations are under pressure. Not just the threatened endemic Maui and Hector’s dolphins. Local populations of bottlenose dolphins, in Bay of Islands and other areas are declining.

Boats and tourism

Noise

Toxoplasmosis
Your adoption will help
Fund research into dolphins and other marine mammals
You’ll be supporting work to monitor and protect species through projects like the Māui dolphin drone, an AI-powered tracking drone to autonomously find, follow, and identify Māui and Hector's dolphins. And the Sea Spotter marine sightings app, so everyone can log sightings around New Zealand.
Support work to establish more Marine Protected Areas
That will help safeguard the health and biodiversity of New Zealand and the world’s oceans. Advocating for putting at least 30% of our coastal and marine areas into an effective network of MPAs by 2030. Including establishing the Kermadec Rangitāhua Ocean Sanctuary, an important stopping off point for migratory species.