Origami Fin Whales
Get creative and join our "Iceland Without Whaling" campaign! Participate by sending an origami fin whale and/or an art letter to Iceland.
Why send origami fin whales?
On December 5th, 2024, Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson granted a five-year permit to hunt fin and minke whales, even though he was leading a caretaker government at the time. This kind of decision goes far beyond what a temporary government should be allowed to do.
Then in April 2025, Hvalur hf, the only company still hunting fin whales in Iceland, cancelled its whaling season. They pointed to economic pressures and falling demand for whale meat as the reason why.
That’s good news for whales, but this could change.
Unless Iceland passes a permanent ban on whaling, this cruel industry could return at any time. That’s why we’re asking you to help us keep the pressure on the Icelandic government and show your support for a future without whaling.
Check out the full timeline of events and learn more about whaling in Iceland by visiting our Icelandic Whaling page.
Take action
Get involved with our #IcelandWithoutWhaling campaign by sending an origami fin whale and/or an art letter urging Icelandic Minister of Industries, Hanna Katrin Fridriksson to support the proposed law to ban whaling in Iceland permanently.
Address: Minister Hanna Katrin Fridriksson
Borgartún 26 - 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Email: hanna.katrin.fridriksson@mar.is
Deadline: Please send your Origami Fin Whales as soon as possible.
Below are instructions on how to fold your origami whale. Please decorate your whale and/or art letter however you wish, but be sure to sign with your name and country. You might like to include some bullet points on why whaling should be banned. Scroll down this page to find some suggested points.
Please share your creation on social media by tagging us, @cetaceans.org and using the hashtag #IcelandWithoutWhaling.
If you would like to take further action, please visit our Stop Whaling in Iceland action page for more ways you can help Iceland stop whaling!
How to fold a origami fin whale
Please refer to the photos and videos if you would like to fold your own origami Fin whale! Spread the love and awareness further - invite your friends and family to fold with you!
Special thanks to M.G.Crofts Photography for filming the origami Fin whale instructional video plus the instructional photos (above). @montecrofts www.montecrofts.com
Educator pack
Teachers and educators! Please download our PDF packet and encourage your students to get creative with their art as they participate in this impactful campaign!
Save trees while you save whales! Please re-use paper when creating your origami Fin whales! You can use fliers/pamphlets, mail advertisements, music sheets, maps, scrap paper, etc.
Art speaks! Please feel free to create an impactful illustration or painting on behalf of the Fin whales. Use whatever art materials you have on-hand. You can write your letter on the backside of the art, or include it on a separate sheet of paper.
Reasons to end whaling
Below are some points you might like to include on your origami fin whale and/or art letter.
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Whales are climate legends! On average, each great whale sequesters (removes) 33 tons of CO2, taking that carbon out of the atmosphere for centuries.
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Whales are the glue that holds an ecosystem together, and because of this, they are worth far more. They are an ongoing resource and critical species that help maintain the health of our oceans.
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Whaling is an inhumane practice, with whales sadly taking a long time to die and suffering.
Please enjoy this video featuring some of the impactful art letters that have already been sent to Iceland!
Special thanks to M.G.Crofts Photography for filming these impactful "art letters" and taking additional photos (above). @montecrofts www.montecrofts.com
“Whales play an incredibly crucial role to the health of our oceans and planet, and contribute immeasurably in spirit to those aware of the awe-inspiring grandeur and grace of these magnificent and gentle Beings."