08/30/2026
Today is International Whale Shark Day — a day to celebrate the world’s largest fish and the important conservation work happening around the globe to protect them. 🦈🌊
Minnesota Zoo Aquarist Nicky Williamson took the Zoo’s conservation mission all the way to the Maldives, joining researchers in the field to study whale sharks with support from the Ulysses S. Seal Conservation Grant.
“In April 2025, I joined a Maldives Whale Shark Research (MWSR) research expedition, where I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to hands-on whale shark research and represent the Minnesota Zoo.”
We collected data including location, photo IDs, and behavior on more than 15 whale sharks and countless other turtles, mantas, and dolphins during our time at sea. My time with MWSRP and the partnership between the Minnesota Zoo and MWSRP is vital in protecting whale sharks.”
Through partnerships with organizations like and opportunities made possible through conservation grants, our team is able to contribute directly to research that helps us better understand and protect wildlife around the world.
On International Whale Shark Day, we’re proud to celebrate Nicky and the many Minnesota Zoo team members whose passion and expertise extend far beyond our Zoo.
Thank you, Nicky, for helping make a difference for whale sharks and the oceans they call home! 💙
