Dolphins are very social creatures among their own and with humans.  It is said that they sometimes attempt to mimic human words.  Maybe they are really talking to us and we just don't understand.   Remember Flipper?  They are highly vocal and have unique voiceprints.

Whales are also considered part of the Dolphin family.  The biggest being the Killer Whale, or Orca.  Dolphins eat mainly fish, shrimp and squid.  They use echolocation to find fish.

Dolphins are mammals of the scientific order Cetacea.  A male Dolphin is called a bull, a female a cow and a your Dolphin is called a calf.  They swim together in "pods".

An adult, female Dolphin gives birth approximately every 1 to 2 years.  Mothers nurse a baby as long as 1 to 1 1/2 years.  Mothers and babies commonly stay together for 2 to 3 years and sometimes up to 6 years.   Fortunately, mothers often have the help of "nannies", other female Dolphins, that help care for and protect the young. All work together to help protect the pod when danger threatens.  It is not uncommon for adults to have scars from warding off sharks.

Man is unfortunately the biggest threat to Dolphins.  Dolphins are sometimes caught in commercial fishing nets.   They were once even hunted for their flesh and blubber.  Although man is a threat to Dolphins, they adapt very well together.  Dolphins have even been known to save peoples' lives.

Dolphins breathe air through a blowhole located on the top of their head, and can hold their breath as long as 5 to 8 minutes.  When they sleep, only half their brain rests.  This keeps them alert to breathe and to watch for danger.

A Dolphin is smooth and rubbery in appearance.  It has a dorsal fin on its back which is used for balance.  Flukes located on the tail are used to propel them through the water.  Pectoral fins located on each side of the body are used for steering and stopping. Of course we can't forget the rostrum - that's what gives the Dolphin its continuous smile.