They act as grazers on the ocean floor (manatees are the only other animals that do this), helping keep a balance under the sea for other creatures to live and breed.

FORBES: 12 Days of Charitable Giving 2012: Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

Organizations like Sea Shepherd, Greenpeace, The International Fund for Animal Welfare, the Humane Society and -- yes -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals all campaign in various ways to stop the decimation of whales and other intelligent creatures of the sea.

CNN: Free the killer whale