Whales are vital to the ocean’s health. Their dives bring nutrients from the deep to the surface, fueling plankton blooms that produce over half of the oxygen we breathe. Some species migrate more than 12,000 miles a year, linking ecosystems across hemispheres. Their complex songs — passed down through generations — can echo for hundreds of miles. By protecting whales, we safeguard the ocean’s balance, our planet’s climate, and one of Earth’s oldest voices. Photo credits @michaelarabinov @aashna_dev