National Dolphin Day is observed in India every October 5, having been established in 2022 by the National Board for Wildlife and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The day aims to highlight the plight of Indian dolphins, particularly the endangered Ganges river dolphin, which was recognized as the national aquatic animal of India on this date in 2009. The observance focuses on the importance of dolphin conservation and the threats these mammals face, such as water pollution and habitat fragmentation. Notably, the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, created in 1991, serves as a protected area for the Ganges river dolphin along a 60 km stretch of the Ganges River in Bihar. Additionally, the Indian government launched Project Dolphin in 2020 to further conservation efforts for Indian dolphin species. While the day primarily emphasizes the Ganges river dolphin, it also serves as a reminder of the need to protect all dolphin species globally.