{"id":7333,"date":"2021-07-22T12:35:50","date_gmt":"2021-07-22T11:35:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=7333"},"modified":"2024-02-18T14:37:28","modified_gmt":"2024-02-18T14:37:28","slug":"dolphin-facts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/dolphin-facts\/","title":{"rendered":"35 Wild Dolphin Facts That Will Amaze You (2024 UPDATE)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To put it simply, dolphins are fascinating, and these amazing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are here to prove it. They\u2019re highly intelligent, emotionally complex, and more closely related to some land mammals than their water-dwelling cohabitants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So let\u2019s jump in and take a swim with these fascinating creatures!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='top-10-dolphin-facts-and-stats'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top 10<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Dolphin Facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and Stats<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers have classified more than <a href=\"#40 distinct species of dolphins\">40 distinct species of dolphins<\/a>\u00a0to date.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#Maui dolphin facts\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maui dolphin facts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show there are only 63 individuals left of that species.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dolphin\u2019s <a href=\"#brain-to-body size ratio\">brain-to-body size ratio<\/a> is second only to humans.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hourglass dolphins can <a href=\"#live in freezing waters\">live in freezing waters<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#Dolphin sex facts\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolphin sex facts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show that they sometimes engage in homosexual behavior.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A full-grown orca can <a href=\"#weigh up to 12,000 lbs\">weigh up to 12,000 lbs<\/a>!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#Dorsal fin collapse\">Dorsal fin collapse<\/a> is a common problem in captivity, but it also happens in the wild.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaquitas are the <a href=\"#rarest marine mammal\">rarest marine mammal<\/a>, with fewer than ten individuals remaining.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japan\u2019s quota for the <a href=\"#2020\u201321 dolphin hunting season\">2020\u201321 dolphin hunting season<\/a> includes 1,749 animals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolphins and porpoises are <a href=\"#entirely different species\">entirely different species<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id='general-facts-about-dolphins-to-get-you-started'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facts About Dolphins<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to Get You Started<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the most astonishing facts about dolphins are also some of the most basic. Let\u2019s learn a bit about where dolphins live, their physiology, and what kinds of dolphins there are.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='1-researchers-have-classified-more-than-40-distinct-species-of-dolphins-to-date'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Researchers have classified more than 40 distinct species of dolphins to date.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Dolphin Project)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As biologists work to understand more about them, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> often omit just how many types of dolphins there are.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some dolphin species were discovered as recently as 2014, and there\u2019s reason to believe many more remain unclassified.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='2-one-of-the-most-amazing-facts-about-the-dolphin-is-that-it%e2%80%99s-in-the-same-superorder-as-even-toed-ungulates-%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. One of the most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amazing facts about<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dolphin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that it\u2019s in the same superorder as even-toed ungulates.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Animal Diversity Web)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolphins and their close relatives are in a family of their own \u2014 Delphinidae. And you probably already know they\u2019re mammals.\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But if you go up the classification a bit, one of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">crazy dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reveal that you\u2019ll find they\u2019re in the same animal superorder as bison, camels, and giraffes!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scientists believe dolphins and killer whales evolved from land-based mammals that returned to the sea, leading to this taxonomical quirk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='3-maui-dolphin-facts-show-there-are-only-63-individuals-left-of-that-species-making-them-the-most-endangered-dolphin-species'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maui dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show there are only 63 individuals left of that species, making them the most endangered dolphin species.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(WWF)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">M\u0101ui dolphins are currently the most endangered dolphin species, and there\u2019s a severe risk we might lose them forever.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They\u2019re the smallest dolphin species found to date, and they inhabit an area near New Zealand.\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If human threats are reduced enough in the next decade, scientists estimate the species could still recover.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='4-bottlenose-dolphin-facts-reveal-that-they-eat-as-much-as-5-of-their-body-weight-per-day-%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottlenose dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reveal that they eat as much as 5% of their body weight per day.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Texas Aquarium)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An adult bottlenose dolphin weighs 400\u2013500 pounds and eats up to 25 pounds of food every day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolphin diet facts <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reveal that the average human would have to eat seven to nine pounds a day to keep up with this type of dolphin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='5-among-the-most-often-cited-dolphins-facts-is-that-they-hunt-using-echolocation-%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Among the most often-cited <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dolphins facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that they hunt using echolocation.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(NOAA)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although dolphins have excellent eyesight, it\u2019s not very effective underwater where light has trouble traveling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead, they use sounds to detect prey and other far-away objects, much like bats. Partly why dolphins tend to have such large foreheads is to make space for a unique organ that helps them echolocate.\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That melon-shaped organ is called, predictably, a melon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='6-one-of-the-interesting-facts-about-dolphins-is-that-many-types-have-two-stomachs-further-indicating-their-link-to-an-ungulate-ancestor'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. One of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interesting facts about dolphins<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that many types have two stomachs, further indicating their link to an ungulate ancestor.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(BioExpedition)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">weird dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be traced back to their unusual ancestry. Like cows and other hoofed ruminants, many dolphins have two stomachs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since dolphins don\u2019t chew food, one of the stomachs serves to digest food while the other is mainly for food storage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='7-fun-facts-about-bottlenose-dolphins-reveal-that-they-sleep-with-only-half-of-their-brain-resting-at-a-time-%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fun facts about bottlenose dolphins<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reveal that they sleep with only half of their brain resting at a time.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Texas Aquarium)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolphins don\u2019t have gills. Instead, they must consciously come up for air every five to seven minutes.\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, they don\u2019t have the luxury of falling asleep entirely. Instead, dolphins sleep with one brain hemisphere while the other one continues to control breathing and essential functions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another reason that they must stay alert is to watch out for predators and other dangers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='8-among-the-cool-facts-about-dolphins-is-that-some-of-the-species-can-call-each-other-by-name'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Among the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cool facts about dolphins<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that some of the species can call each other by name.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(PNAS)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers found that when bottlenose dolphins communicate, they use unique identity signals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolphin communication facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reveal that they respond to their own unique signals with clicks when other dolphins copy them. Likewise, they ignore the distinctive calls that refer to other dolphins.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='9-dolphin-brain-facts-reveal-that-a-dolphin%e2%80%99s-brain-to-body-size-ratio-is-second-only-to-humans-%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolphin brain facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reveal that a dolphin\u2019s brain-to-body size ratio is second only to humans.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Whale and Dolphin Conservation)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dolphin intelligence<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show they\u2019re among the most intelligent animals on earth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although they don\u2019t have the largest brains (that honor belongs to sperm whales), dolphins\u2019 brain size compared to their body is close to our own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='10-dolphins-have-sex-for-pleasure-maybe-according-to-dolphin-mating-facts-%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Dolphins have sex for pleasure (maybe), according to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dolphin mating facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Quartz)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you may have heard is that they\u2019re one of the very few animals, aside from humans, that have sex for pleasure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it\u2019s true that they mate year-round, even when females are infertile, there are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dolphin sexuality facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to prove the motive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies of dolphin anatomy add some credence to the theory. Still, until we can question a dolphin, the exact cause will remain a mystery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='11-baiji-dolphin-facts-seem-to-indicate-it-was-the-first-dolphin-species-that-humans-made-extinct'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baiji dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> seem to indicate it was the first dolphin species that humans made extinct.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Whale and Dolphin Conservation)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There have been no recorded sightings of the Baiji dolphin since at least 2006.\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also known as the Chinese river dolphin, this species had a uniquely long nose. It was a freshwater dolphin common to the Yangtze River in China.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A six-week expedition in 2006 failed to find a single remaining individual, leading to its presumed extinction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='12-hourglass-dolphins-can-live-in-freezing-waters'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12. Hourglass dolphins can live in freezing waters.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Oceana)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hourglass dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reveal their impressive range far into the waters near Antarctica. These dolphins seem to be comfortable in waters as cold as 31\u2109.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their name comes from the unique coloration across the length of their body that resembles an hourglass shape.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='13-striped-dolphin-facts-often-refer-to-their-unique-propensity-for-%e2%80%9croto-tailing-%e2%80%9d'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Striped dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> often refer to their unique propensity for \u201croto-tailing.\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(NOAA)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Striped dolphins have a vast territory range that encompasses most of the world\u2019s saltwater area. And they\u2019re easily recognized by their distinctive coloration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But what sets them apart is their impressive acrobatic skills. It\u2019s the only species so far to have been observed roto-tailing. This means leaping out of the water and spinning their tail while in the air.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='14-dolphin-sex-facts-show-that-they-sometimes-engage-in-homosexual-behavior'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolphin sex facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show that they sometimes engage in homosexual behavior.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Newsweek, Aquatic Mammals)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the more interesting <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dolphin behavior facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reveal that researchers have observed them in what can only be described as homosexual behavior.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In one instance in the wild, dolphins formed large groups and engaged in mounting and genital contact.\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In captivity, male Amazon river dolphins displayed apparent homosexual behavior that extended throughout the year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='15-dolphin-rape-stats-and-facts-reveal-they-sometimes-coerce-females-into-sex'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolphin rape stats<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and facts reveal they sometimes coerce females into sex.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(ProQuest, Slate, Politifact, The Atlantic)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolphins have complex mating strategies. For some species, that involves coercive behavior to force females into mating, and there are even cases of infanticide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers have written broadly on the topic of dolphin rape, one of the more <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">creepy dolphin facts <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">that not everyone knows about.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the term isn\u2019t adequate to describe animal behavior, their cute and cuddly public image can be quite deceiving.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='16-hector%e2%80%99s-dolphin-facts-show-that-it-is-one-of-the-most-critically-endangered-species-with-about-7000-of-them-remaining-%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hector\u2019s dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show that it is one of the most critically endangered species, with about 7,000 of them remaining.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(WWF)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hector\u2019s dolphins are among the smallest types of dolphin, and the Maui dolphin is actually a subspecies of this group.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interestingly, their fin is shaped like a teardrop and sometimes referred to as a \u201cMickey-Mouse-ear fin.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='17-pink-river-dolphin-facts-reveal-that-they-can-turn-their-heads-by-up-to-90-degrees'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17. Pink <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">river dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reveal that they can turn their heads by up to 90 degrees.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Aqua Expeditions)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pink dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are definitely some of the most interesting ones. This Amazonian species is even considered a mythical creature in some South American cultures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In contrast to other dolphins, they have unfused vertebrae in their necks. This adaptation allows them to navigate the waters of the Amazon more effectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='orca-facts-to-make-you-rethink-these-gentle-giants'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orca Facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to Make You Rethink These Gentle Giants<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Killer whales, orca, blackfish, murder pandas \u2014 whatever you want to call these marine mammals, you\u2019ll be surprised to know that they\u2019re dolphins!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some other cool things you didn\u2019t know about them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='18-there-haven%e2%80%99t-been-any-human-fatalities-resulting-from-an-orca-attack-in-the-wild'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18. There haven\u2019t been any human fatalities resulting from an orca attack in the wild.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Whale Facts, Inherently Wild)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maybe the most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interesting fact about killer whales<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that they\u2019re not really killers. To be more precise \u2014 they don\u2019t kill humans. At least not in the wild.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the very few instances of an orca attack in the wild happened in 1972 when a surfer, Hans Kretschmer, was attacked in the waters of Point Sur.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a different story when talking about captive killer whales. In captivity, orcas can become highly aggressive. So far, there have been four fatal interactions with humans.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='19-fun-facts-about-the-orca-tell-us-that-a-full-grown-orca-can-weigh-up-to-12000-lbs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fun facts about<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">orca<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tell us that a full-grown orca can weigh up to 12,000 lbs!<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(National Geographic)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may have guessed by now that orcas are the largest dolphin type. They genuinely do justice to the name \u201cwhale,\u201d since they can grow up to be almost as long as a school bus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fun fact about killer whales<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is their long life span. They can live for as long as humans, and their average lifespan in the wild is up to 80 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='20-dorsal-fin-collapse-is-a-common-problem-for-orcas-in-captivity-but-it-also-happens-in-the-wild'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20. Dorsal fin collapse is a common problem for orcas in captivity, but it also happens in the wild.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(ThoughtCo)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">killer whale in captivity<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show, is likely to develop a condition called dorsal fin collapse. The condition is prevalent in captive males and involves their dorsal fin folding to one side.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A common misconception is that the condition is restricted to captive animals. It does happen in the wild, albeit very infrequently, and it is usually a sign of illness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marine biologists don\u2019t know the exact cause. Still, inadequate swimming space and lack of activity in concrete fish tanks is a likely culprit of this issue.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='21-facts-about-orcas-tell-us-they%e2%80%99re-highly-social-and-can-travel-in-pods-of-up-to-50-animals'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facts about orcas<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tell us they\u2019re highly social and can travel in pods of up to 50 animals.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Animal Diversity Web)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most dolphin species live in complex societies, and orcas are no different.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although they may form temporary alliances of 100 individuals or more, these usually don\u2019t last long. Orcas in a pod will share prey and use pack hunting tactics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They rarely leave their pod for more than a few hours at a time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='22-one-of-the-more-impressive-orca-intelligence-facts-is-that-they-can-spend-more-than-30-min-weakening-their-prey-when-hunting'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">22. One of the more impressive <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">orca intelligence facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that they can spend more than 30 min weakening their prey when hunting.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Newsweek)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people think an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interesting fact about orcas<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that they often have to weaken their prey before killing it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marine biologists prefer to think of the behavior as a precaution against potential harm. Sea lions and other animals that orcas hunt are far from defenseless and can cause a great deal of damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, orcas use their tails, fins, and bodies to weaken, stun, and kill their prey.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='23-although-they%e2%80%99re-all-the-same-species-there-are-several-orca-ecotypes'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23. Although they\u2019re all the same species, there are several orca ecotypes.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Orca Spirit, CBC)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>When talking about orca whales, facts show that scientists still haven\u2019t conclusively decided whether all orcas should be in the same species.<\/p>\n<p>What is relatively undisputed is that there are at least two broad ecotypes \u2014 transient and resident killer whales.\u00a0They mainly vary in their diet and range.<\/p>\n<p>Interestingly, dolphins will sometimes hang around resident killer whales, which eat primarily fish, to avoid transient killer whales, which eat mainly mammals.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the two populations don\u2019t mate with one another, and genetic analysis reveals their unique heritage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='24-pygmy-killer-whale-facts-reveal-that-they%e2%80%99re-not-a-type-of-orca-%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pygmy killer whale facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reveal that they\u2019re not a type of orca.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(NOAA)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite their name, pygmy killer whales have little resemblance to typical killer whales. They\u2019re more closely related to oceanic dolphins, with whom they share a similar size and weight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='interesting-facts-about-other-subspecies-and-porpoises'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interesting Facts About Other Subspecies and Porpoises<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At this point, it should be evident that \u201cdolphin\u201d is a pretty broad term. Below, you\u2019ll find some curious facts about marine mammals as a whole and where dolphins fit into that group.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='25-vaquitas-are-the-rarest-marine-mammal-with-fewer-than-ten-individuals-remaining'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">25. Vaquitas are the rarest marine mammal, with fewer than ten individuals remaining.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(WWF)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aside from all the fun facts about dolphins and porpoises, there is also the sad truth that many species are endangered or threatened.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, Vaquitas are a type of porpoise that lives off the coast of Mexico. They were only discovered in 1958 and are already facing likely extinction, mainly due to human activity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='26-all-marine-mammals-are-protected-in-us-waters'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">26. All marine mammals are protected in US waters.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(NOAA)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the harassment, hunting, capturing, collecting, and killing of all marine mammals except in rare cases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facts about dolphins<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and other marine mammals show how vulnerable they are to human threats.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/animal-abuse-laws\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Animal abuse laws in the US<\/a> also include the Endangered Species Act.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It protects the habitat of endangered species and prevents them from being sold, owned, or illegally transported, among other things.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='27-japan%e2%80%99s-quota-for-the-2020%e2%80%9321-dolphin-hunting-season-includes-1749-animals-from-nine-species'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">27. Japan\u2019s quota for the 2020\u201321 dolphin hunting season includes 1,749 animals from nine species.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Earth Island Institute)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 2010 documentary, The Cove, focused on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taiji, Japan,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dolphin slaughter facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about the event shocked the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hunters capture many dolphins to sell to dolphinariums every year, a popular attraction where dolphins perform for their audience. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, abuse in such facilities is rampant, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/animals-in-captivity-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">33% of WAZA partners allow visitors to walk or swim with captive animals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the public outcry, Japan continues the practice of herding cetaceans in Taiji for slaughter and capture.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='28-the-cambodian-government-scrapped-plans-to-build-a-dam-in-part-to-help-save-irrawaddy-dolphins'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">28. The Cambodian government scrapped plans to build a dam, in part to help save Irrawaddy dolphins.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(WWF)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irrawaddy dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reveal there are probably fewer than 100 remaining individuals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This unique river dolphin has a barely perceptible beak and forms a crucial part of the Mekong river ecosystem. In an effort to preserve the biodiversity of the area, the government put a 10-year moratorium on damming river waters.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='29-dolphins-and-porpoises-are-entirely-different-species'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">29. Dolphins and porpoises are entirely different species.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(NOAA)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is one of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that confuses people the most. They both belong to the same order of animals, and they have similar diets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical differences between the two are minimal. Porpoises tend to have shorter beaks \u2014 or no beaks at all \u2014 and are typically more stocky, while dolphins are leaner and longer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='faq'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id='30-are-orcas-dolphins'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30. Are orcas dolphins<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, orcas are a member of the Delphinidae family of animals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They\u2019re commonly referred to as killer whales, which perpetuates the idea that they\u2019re a type of whale. But rest assured that no matter how big they get, they\u2019re still dolphins.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(National Geographic)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='31-why-are-porpoises-endangered'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">31. Why are porpoises endangered?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While not all porpoises are endangered, many are, and the vaquita porpoise is currently the most endangered marine mammal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most porpoise species have been affected heavily by habitat loss and fishing activities.\u00a0 Approximately <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/overfishing-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">100,000 porpoises, dolphins, and small whales are killed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> yearly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water pollution, underwater blasting, dredging, and damming are also contributing factors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Science Direct)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='32-what%e2%80%99s-the-difference-between-a-dolphin-and-a-porpoise'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">32. What\u2019s the difference between a dolphin and a porpoise<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While part of the same animal order, dolphins and porpoises display several differences that set them apart.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolphins tend to have longer beaks and bigger mouths. But this is not always the case, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irrawaddy dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tell us they can have no beak at all.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Porpoises are also shorter than dolphins and tend to have rounder bodies. Moreover, dolphins have conical teeth, while porpoise teeth are spade-shaped.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lastly, dolphin dorsal fins are usually more curved than those of porpoises.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(NOAA, Whale and Dolphin Conservation)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='33-what-are-baby-dolphins-called'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">33. What are baby dolphins called?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baby dolphins are called calves due to dolphins\u2019 common ancestry with cloven-hoofed mammals, like bison and deer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want some more cool <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">baby dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolphins produce milk, like all other mammals, and they nurse their young for 18\u201324 months.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dolphin calf weighs 22\u201344 pounds at birth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The gestation period of a bottlenose dolphin is about 12 months, a bit longer than that of humans.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(SeaWorld)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='34-what-is-the-lifespan-of-a-dolphin'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">34. What is the lifespan of a dolphin?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottlenose dolphins have been known to live past the age of 60. However, lifespans vary from one species to the next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Whale and Dolphin Conservation)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='35-do-dolphins-kill-porpoises'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">35. Do dolphins kill porpoises?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Newsweek)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, there have been documented cases of dolphins killing porpoises for no apparent reason. Dolphins don\u2019t eat porpoises, nor do they directly compete for resources, making the cause of the attacks a mystery at this stage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='conclusion'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you have more <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dolphin facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than you can shake a stick at, and certainly enough to impress your friends!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But if you take away anything from these <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dolphin facts for adults<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, kids, and everyone in between, we hope it\u2019s a sense of awe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolphins and other marine mammals are particularly vulnerable to human activity. You, too, can become an advocate for our seabound friends and contribute to their continued survival.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='sources'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sources:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/animaldiversity.org\/accounts\/Delphinidae\/classification\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Animal Diversity Web<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/animaldiversity.org\/accounts\/Orcinus_orca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Animal Diversity Web<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aquaexpeditions.com\/blog\/amazon\/facts-amazon-pink-river-dolphin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aqua Expeditions<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org\/share\/AquaticMammalsIssueArchives\/1994\/Aquatic_Mammals_20_1\/20-01_Renjun.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aquatic Mammals<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bioexpedition.com\/dolphin\/facts-about-dolphins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BioExpedition<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/news\/science\/pacific-white-sided-dolphins-southern-resident-killer-whales-1.5021585\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CBC<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dolphinproject.com\/resources\/about-dolphins\/types-of-dolphins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolphin Project<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/savedolphins.eii.org\/news\/entry\/taiji-dolphin-slaughter-cranks-up-again\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earth Island Institute<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/inherentlywild.co.uk\/aggressive-incidents\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inherently Wild<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalgeographic.com\/animals\/mammals\/facts\/orca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Geographic<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/gay-dolphins-australia-homosexual-behavior-645360\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newsweek<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/scientists-explain-video-orca-punting-seal-80-feet-air-388554\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newsweek<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/male-dolphin-kill-harbor-porpoise-germany-1539442\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newsweek<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/oceantoday.noaa.gov\/dolphinanatomy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NOAA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/species\/striped-dolphin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NOAA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/species\/pygmy-killer-whale\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NOAA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/topic\/marine-mammal-protection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NOAA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/oceanservice.noaa.gov\/facts\/dolphin_porpoise.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NOAA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/oceana.org\/marine-life\/marine-mammals\/hourglass-dolphin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oceana<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/orcaspirit.com\/the-captains-blog\/what-is-the-difference-between-transient-and-resident-killer-whales-orcas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orca Spirit<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pnas.org\/content\/110\/32\/13216\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PNAS<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.politifact.com\/factchecks\/2016\/apr\/22\/unbreakable-kimmy-schmidt\/dolphins-rapists-unbreakable-kimmy-schmidt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Politifact<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.proquest.com\/openview\/ec934502557d177d319ebd7e4cac76dc\/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&amp;cbl=18750&amp;diss=y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ProQuest<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/qz.com\/1589590\/dolphin-clitorises-suggest-the-animals-have-sex-for-pleasure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quartz<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/earth-and-planetary-sciences\/porpoise\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Science Direct<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seaworld.org\/animals\/all-about\/bottlenose-dolphin\/care-of-young\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SeaWorld<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/slate.com\/human-interest\/2009\/05\/the-dark-secrets-that-dolphins-don-t-want-you-to-know.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slate<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.texasstateaquarium.org\/facts-about-atlantic-bottlenose-dolphins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Texas Aquarium<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theatlantic.com\/science\/archive\/2019\/03\/animals-rape-murder-morality-humans\/585049\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Atlantic<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thoughtco.com\/killer-whale-dorsal-fin-collapse-2291880\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ThoughtCo<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/uk.whales.org\/whales-dolphins\/how-intelligent-are-whales-and-dolphins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whale and Dolphin Conservation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/uk.whales.org\/whales-dolphins\/species-guide\/baiji\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whale and Dolphin Conservation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/uk.whales.org\/whales-dolphins\/species-guide\/irrawaddy-dolphin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whale and Dolphin Conservation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/uk.whales.org\/whales-dolphins\/how-long-do-dolphins-live\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whale and Dolphin Conservation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.whalefacts.org\/killer-whale-attacks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whale Facts<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwf.org.nz\/what_we_do\/species\/hectors_maui\/maui_dolphin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WWF<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldwildlife.org\/species\/hector-s-dolphin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WWF<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldwildlife.org\/species\/vaquita\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WWF<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldwildlife.org\/species\/irrawaddy-dolphin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WWF<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Are orcas dolphins?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, orcas are a member of the Delphinidae family of animals.\\n\\nThey\u2019re commonly referred to as killer whales, which perpetuates the idea that they\u2019re a type of whale. But rest assured that no matter how big they get, they\u2019re still dolphins.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why are porpoises endangered?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"While not all porpoises are endangered, many are, and the vaquita porpoise is currently the most endangered marine mammal.\u00a0\\n\\nMost porpoise species have been affected heavily by habitat loss and fishing activities.\u00a0 Approximately 100,000 porpoises, dolphins, and small whales are killed yearly.\\n\\nWater pollution, underwater blasting, dredging, and damming are also contributing factors.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What\u2019s the difference between a dolphin and a porpoise?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"While part of the same animal order, dolphins and porpoises display several differences that set them apart.\u00a0\\n\\nDolphins tend to have longer beaks and bigger mouths. But this is not always the case, and Irrawaddy dolphin facts tell us they can have no beak at all.\\n\\nPorpoises are also shorter than dolphins and tend to have rounder bodies. Moreover, dolphins have conical teeth, while porpoise teeth are spade-shaped.\u00a0\\n\\nLastly, dolphin dorsal fins are usually more curved than those of porpoises.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are baby dolphins called?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Baby dolphins are called calves due to dolphins\u2019 common ancestry with cloven-hoofed mammals, like bison and deer.\\n\\nWant some more cool baby dolphin facts?\\n\\nDolphins produce milk, like all other mammals, and they nurse their young for 18\u201324 months.\\nA dolphin calf weighs 22\u201344 pounds at birth.\\nThe gestation period of a bottlenose dolphin is about 12 months, a bit longer than that of humans.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the lifespan of a dolphin?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Bottlenose dolphins have been known to live past the age of 60. However, lifespans vary from one species to the next.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do dolphins kill porpoises?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, there have been documented cases of dolphins killing porpoises for no apparent reason. Dolphins don\u2019t eat porpoises, nor do they directly compete for resources, making the cause of the attacks a mystery at this stage.\"}}]}<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We&#8217;ve collected some interesting dolphin facts that will impress and amaze. Learn the latest information on these fantastic animals. [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/dolphin-facts\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from 35 Wild Dolphin Facts That Will Amaze You (2024 UPDATE)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":7334,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7333","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-stats-and-facts"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7333","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7333"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7333\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7334"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7333"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7333"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}