Dolphins!
Dolphin facts, views and observations.

Dolphins - why are we so fascinated with Dolphins?  Maybe it's their intelligence and grace.  Or perhaps it is their apparent carefree lifestyle, free spirited demeanor and propensity for playfulness - they certainly seem to love to play!  Or maybe we relate because of their similarity to us with their family bonds, social structure, and care for their young - but at the same time are intrigued because they are so different living in their water-borne world.

Regardless, we are certain that they do represent beauty and grace.  And, it is this aspect that leads us to represent them in art, statues, jewelry, figurines and even some past TV shows!  All we know is that we love them - and this author simply melts in adoration to their seemingly perpetual smile!

Some Dolphins Facts or FAQs!

What are Dolphins?  They are sea mammals, are warm-blooded, breathe air through lungs, bear their young alive and nourish their young with milk. 

Scientific classification,  Order: Cetacea - this includes all whales, dolphins and porpoises;  Family: Delphinidae - marine dolphins which represents about 30 species including dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales.

Dolphins are not Porpoises!  A popular misconception that Dolphins and Porpoises are the same, and many use the names interchangeably.  However, Porpoises are generally smaller, have more rounded faces, spade shaped teeth and triangular dorsal fins.  Dolphins have more pointed (bottle nose) snouts, curved dorsal fins and cone shaped teeth and are generally larger than porpoises.

Why do Dolphins jump out of the water?  Dolphins may jump out of the water when feeding to confuse and heard fish, or to travel faster through the air while breathing when they want to move quickly, or we suspect, sometimes just to have fun!

Baby Dolphins are called calves, or a calf.  Older calves are called juveniles (teenagers!).  Adult females are called cows and adult males are called bulls. 

Groups of Dolphins are often called heards or pods.  These groups are cooperative and help each other in hunting, defense and care within the pod.  "Nannies" or "aunts" will watch over the calves of others while mothers are feeding.