15 Interesting Facts About Dolphins We Bet You Didn’t Know

They say the happiness of a dolphin lies in just existing. How heartwarming and fulfilling is that thought. In fact, French scientists have confirmed this theory. Their study has found that dolphins are happy wherever they are.

They are happy in captivity and they are happy in the depths of the oceanic wilderness. They are just glad to be alive. Quite an interesting fact, isn’t it? Let’s dive in and explore more 15 interesting facts about dolphins that are sure to leave you in awe of those sea creatures. 

15 Interesting Facts About Dolphins 

Just like elephants are used in a circus that happens on land, Dolphins are the circus animals of water shows and events. It’s like they are the aquatic equivalent of circus elephants. They entertain us with their tricks, silliness, and cuteness.

But there’s a lot more than what meets the eye to these friendly sea mammals. Get ready to be surprised as we splash into 15 fun facts about dolphins that reveal why these oceanic wonders are anything but ordinary! 

1. Baby dolphin facts — They are mamma’s boys

One of the good things about dolphins is that they stay attached to their mothers for a long time after they are born. They leave their mothers at the age of 8. A good thing to teach your kids, right? Even sea animals know the value of their mother. 

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2. Dolphins have two stomachs 

Land animals like ostriches and camels are known to have two stomachs. But dolphins are the only sea mammals to have two stomachs. They store their food in one and the second one is where the food gets digested. 

3. Dolphins can kill sharks with their nose

One of the interesting facts about dolphins is that they can kill sharks with their nose. They are intelligent sea animals and know that their nose is a strong asset. What will you do if you are met with a shark?

You either kill a shark or become their food. Dolphins aren’t going to die so soon. Hence, they use their nose as a weapon to kill a shark. They pierce a shark like you pierce a kebab. Yummy food for dolphins, a sight of horror for us. 

4. Ancient dolphins had four legs 

Imagine dolphins walking on four legs like a lion. Yes, dolphins had four legs 35 million years ago. Recent studies have found that dolphins lost their legs when a gene started developing in their body.

This gene, known as Sonic Hedgehog, is essential for their limbs and their growth. Sadly, we will never see dolphins with four legs but we are glad that they are healthier in their new appearance. 

5. They can live up to 50 years

Just like humans, even dolphins can live for a long time. Some dolphin species can live up to 50 years, whereas bottlenose dolphins can survive up to 60 years.

Their lifespan mirrors that of humans and it adds a sense of shared existence between us. Perhaps that’s why humans and dolphins get along so well. A food for thought! 

6. They are very intelligent 

One of the best dolphin facts for kids is that they are quite intelligent. They will mimic you and they are quick learners. They say that apart from humans, dolphins are the second most intelligent animals on earth. So, the next time your kid asks you something about dolphins, you can tell them about their intelligence and quirky nature. 

7. They don’t chew their food

They don’t chew but directly swallow their food. They grab, bite, and swallow. Weird, right? But that’s how they are built. Dolphin teeth are actually very similar to humans yet they don’t use it to chew their food. 

8. They give each other names

This one’s probably one of the most interesting things about dolphins. They have a particular whistle for a particular dolphin.

That’s how they name each other. Other than humans, dolphins are the only ones to do this. You can also do this with your partner. Give each other unique whistle names and use it to make each other smile. This can be your inside joke. 

9. They are amiable animals

Dogs are a man’s best friend? Yeah, but so are dolphins. They have a friendly, social, and amiable nature. What makes these species even more loving is that they love our company and that they are always looking forward to a playful interaction between us and them. 

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10. Dolphins can dive up to 1,000 feet 

One of the fun facts about dolphins is that they are capable of diving to impressive depths. They can dive up to 1,000 feet below the surface.

This allows them to explore deep ocean environments in search of food and to navigate their underwater habitats with remarkable skill. Imagine if humans could also dive that deep. That’s something to think about, isn’t it? Just picture the incredible discoveries and adventures we would stumble upon. 

11. They sleep with one eye open

What’s one of the disturbing facts about dolphins? They sleep with one eye open. They are always in a half-on/half-off state when they are asleep. This type of sleep is known as unihemispheric sleep as only one brain dozed off at one time.

12. Dolphins are not monogamous 

Loyalty and commitment? Out of the question for dolphins. These sea animals are quite the serial daters and like to be with more than one dolphin. They are known to be polygamous and have multiple partners. 

13. They are born tail-first 

This is one of the weird facts about dolphins. Unlike humans who are born head-first, dolphins are born tail-first. Oh, imagine if humans came out leg first. Phew! A scary thought, right?

But what’s scary for dolphins is coming out head first because they are afraid they will drown. When they come out tail-first, their heads are 100% secure inside their mother’s wombs which reduces their chances of sinking. 

14. They hate the outside noise

As mentioned earlier, dolphins are heavily dependent on the whistles that they use to call one another. They get scared and confused when there are loud noises around them as it makes it difficult for them to hear each other.

A new study reveals that they are struggling with the growing noise pollution in the world. If these dolphins could hit the mute button on humans, they certainly would! 

15. They can bite you 

Dolphins won’t kill you but their attacks can be fatal. Regardless of how friendly they are, they do pose a risk to humans. If you swim near a bottlenose dolphin and try to touch them, you will certainly be attacked as it stresses them out. 

It’s like Justin Beiber reminding his fans not to ask for a selfie. It pisses him off just like it rubs a dolphin the wrong way when you try to get near them. It’s better to admire them from a distance.  

Conclusion: A Deep Dive Into The World Of Dolphins 

These interesting facts about dolphins tell us a lot about their personality and their way of life. They are truly remarkable creatures and have a few intriguing qualities. It’s clear from these facts that they are one of the most fascinating and enigmatic inhabitants of the ocean. Their abilities should make us have a deeper appreciation for friendly sea mammals. Actually, we are lucky enough that we get to see their glimpse once in a while and you can call them the ocean’s superheroes.

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