Adopt a Shark

You can support the ongoing research of the ECOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-identification Library by adopting a whale shark. A whale shark adoption allows you to:

• support cutting-edge whale shark research through the ECOCEAN Library
• receive email updates of resightings of your adopted shark
• display your photo and a quote from you on the shark's page in our library

Funds raised by shark adoptions are used to offset the costs of maintaining this global library and to support new and existing research projects for the world's most mysterious fish.

You can adopt a shark at the following levels:

• Children's adoption = USD $25/year
• Individual adoption = USD $50/year
• Group adoption = USD $200/year
• Corporate adoption = USD $1000/year

The cost of your adoption is tax deductible in the United States through ECOCEAN USA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Sample whale shark adoption for whale shark A-001.
Click here to see an example.

Creating an adoption

To adopt a whale shark, follow these steps.

1. Make the appropriate donation using the appropriate PayPal button below.

Use the button below if you would like your Adoption funds directed to ECOCEAN USA. ECOCEAN USA offers tax deductability in the United States as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

2. Send an email to . Include the following in the email

• your name and address
• your donation amount and the email/userid that made the PayPal donation
• the shark you wish to adopt.
• the email to notify with future resightings of the shark
• a photo of yourself, your group, or a corporate logo
• a quote from you stating why whale shark research and conservation are important

Please allow 24-48 hours after receipt of your email for processing. We are currently working to automate and speed this process through PayPal.

Your adoption (photograph, name, and quote) will be displayed on the web site page for your shark, and one adoption will be randomly chosen to be displayed on the front page of whaleshark.org.

Thank you for adopting a shark and supporting our global research efforts!