The date was proclaimed at the II International Whale Shark Conference held in Mexico, where 40 countries pledged to make every effort to protect and help this species to avoid its extinction.

According to the International Marine Conservation Organization Oceana, the whale shark can measure up to 20 meters in length and weigh more than 34 tons.

This enormous being is not carnivorous, as it feeds mainly on plankton, a mixture of tiny plant and animal organisms that it manages to retain and filter through its gills.

Its appearance stands out for the coloration of its gray skin with white stripes and dots, which brought it the nickname of checkerboard fish or domino.

Its body is long and narrow and its head is wide and flat, ending in a huge mouth devoid of teeth.

It has small eyes located at the lateral ends of its head.

It can live more than 100 years, making it one of the longest-living animals in nature.

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