Dolphin Hub — The World's First Global Interaction Platform
Education Centre
The world’s first global platform uniting science, ecology, and culture to study dolphins and protect marine ecosystems
Learn About Dolphins — Educational Programs and Resources
Dolphins are truly remarkable creatures. They are socially adept, highly intelligent, agile, joyful, and playful beings, exhibiting many emotional traits similar to humans. With an impressive diversity of species, each dolphin possesses its own unique identity and distinct characteristics!
key characteristics
of dolphins
of dolphins
- 1,2 – 9,5 мSize
(from the smallest species, such as the Caspian porpoise or vaquita, to the orca, which is biologically classified within the dolphin family) - 20–60 yearsLifespan
(most species live 20–30 years, but bottlenose dolphins and orcas can live up to 50–60 years) - 40 to 5500 kgWeight
(from the lightest species to the orca) - Up to 55 km/hSwimming speed
(the maximum speed of bottlenose dolphins and other fast species can reach 50–55 km/h)
Interesting facts
ABOUT DOLPHINS
ABOUT DOLPHINS
The dolphin is a remarkable marine mammal whose ancestors lived on land around 50 million years ago. Here are scientifically proven facts about dolphins for both children and adults.
- Dolphins have long captivated humans with their intelligence and remarkable abilities. These marine mammals, whose closest relatives include toothed whales such as orcas, have earned both admiration and affection from people around the world.
- In many cultures, dolphins symbolize friendship, compassion, and wisdom. The ancient Greeks considered them sacred — killing a dolphin was punishable by death, and the famous statue of Apollo at Delphi depicted a dolphin. Images of dolphins were even commonly found on the coats of arms of noble European families.
- Dolphins exhibit extraordinary social skills. They care for sick and injured pod members and are sometimes known to help other species as well. There are numerous accounts of dolphins rescuing drowning humans, chasing away sharks, and even cooperating with fishermen by herding fish into nets. In the Soviet Union, dolphins were trained to detect underwater mines and rescue sailors.
- Scientists continue to actively study dolphin intelligence and behavior. These mammals possess a highly developed system of acoustic communication, using whistles and clicks within a range of 20–40 kHz for social interaction and echolocation signals up to 150 kHz for navigation and hunting. Dolphins also use unique signature whistles, similar to names, to identify one another. Additionally, dolphins practice unihemispheric slow-wave sleep — one hemisphere of the brain rests while the other remains active, allowing them to breathe and stay alert to their surroundings.
- Among the approximately 40 dolphin species, there are both marine and freshwater species, such as the Amazon river dolphin and the Ganges river dolphin. Different species exhibit unique abilities: bottlenose dolphins can dive to depths of up to 200 meters, while others reach depths of 500 meters or more. Their leaps can reach heights of 7 meters above the water’s surface, and their swimming speed can exceed 55 km/h. They are also known for their playful behavior, often surfing waves off the coasts of Hawaii, Australia, and South Africa.
- Despite their friendly nature, dolphins are highly effective predators. They consume up to 10% of their body weight daily, use their rigid rostrum as a battering ram against sharks, and display exceptional hunting strategies.
- In four countries — India, Chile, Hungary, and Costa Rica — keeping dolphins in captivity is prohibited. This highlights the special status of these remarkable creatures, who continue to inspire both wonder and scientific inquiry.
- Dolphins are mammals, with females giving birth to live young and nursing them with milk.
- Their jaws are not adapted for chewing food, so they swallow their prey whole.
- The brain of an adult dolphin weighs approximately 1,700 grams, surpassing the human brain's weight of 1,400 grams.
- Dolphins possess echolocation abilities, enabling them to communicate over long distances.
- The number of neurons and cortical folds in dolphins' brains exceeds that of humans.
- Unlike fish, a dolphin's tail fin is oriented horizontally.
- Dolphins breathe consciously, rather than reflexively like most animals.
- An adult dolphin can hold its breath for up to 10 minutes.
- A dolphin's body is covered with smooth, soft skin instead of scales.
- Thanks to the lateral positioning of their eyes, dolphins have nearly panoramic vision (about 300 degrees).
- They have little to no sense of smell, compensated by acute hearing and a refined sense of taste.
- Scientists believe that dolphins' ancestors once lived on land, as evidenced by the structure of their fins, which resemble the limbs of terrestrial animals.
- Newborn dolphin calves have fine hairs that gradually disappear over time.
- Calves stay with their mothers for 2 to 3 years, depending on the species.
- Gestation length varies by species: around 12 months for bottlenose dolphins and up to 17–18 months for orcas. In general, dolphin pregnancies last from 10 to 18 months.
- During the first weeks of life, calves exhibit almost no signs of sleep, which helps them remain active and maintain breathing at the surface.
- Dolphins are born tail-first, reducing the risk of suffocation during birth.
- Mothers show a high level of care for their young, providing protection and nourishment.
- During birth, females are often assisted by other females, forming a kind of "birthing circle," while males may guard the area from potential threats.
Dolphin Species
Systematics: Currently, there are approximately 49 known species of dolphins and porpoises, classified into several families. This number may vary due to ongoing taxonomic revisions and the discovery of new species, as the classification remains a subject of scientific debate and refinement.
This section provides a complete systematic classification of all species described to date, including their Latin names. Special attention is also given to the distribution of species across families and their biogeography.
There are currently 49 recognized species of dolphins and porpoises, grouped into six families. The largest is the oceanic dolphin family, which includes 38 species. The porpoise family consists of seven species, while the remaining four families are river dolphins, each containing only one species.
Classification, however, is not an exact science. As new information and discoveries emerge, debates continue, and some dolphin species may eventually be further divided into multiple species or subspecies. For instance, the common dolphin is currently recognized as having two variations: the short-beaked and the long-beaked common dolphin. In New Zealand, Hector’s dolphin has a subspecies known as the Māui dolphin, which is critically endangered, with only about 60 individuals remaining.
Names and nicknames can often be confusing. For example, eight dolphin species include the word “whale” in their names, such as pilot whales, false killer whales, and melon-headed whales. Additionally, two species have both “whale” and “dolphin” in their names: the northern right whale dolphin and the southern right whale dolphin. Unsurprisingly, this can cause confusion for both the general public and scientists.
What is the difference between dolphins and porpoises?
Porpoises are generally smaller than dolphins, measuring less than 2.5 meters (8 feet) in length. They have a stockier build, smaller heads with little to no beak, and small, triangular dorsal fins (except for finless porpoises). Dolphins and porpoises also have differently shaped teeth: porpoises have spade-shaped teeth, while dolphins have conical teeth. There are six species of porpoises, including the vaquita, which is the most critically endangered cetacean.
Classification, however, is not an exact science. As new information and discoveries emerge, debates continue, and some dolphin species may eventually be further divided into multiple species or subspecies. For instance, the common dolphin is currently recognized as having two variations: the short-beaked and the long-beaked common dolphin. In New Zealand, Hector’s dolphin has a subspecies known as the Māui dolphin, which is critically endangered, with only about 60 individuals remaining.
Names and nicknames can often be confusing. For example, eight dolphin species include the word “whale” in their names, such as pilot whales, false killer whales, and melon-headed whales. Additionally, two species have both “whale” and “dolphin” in their names: the northern right whale dolphin and the southern right whale dolphin. Unsurprisingly, this can cause confusion for both the general public and scientists.
What is the difference between dolphins and porpoises?
Porpoises are generally smaller than dolphins, measuring less than 2.5 meters (8 feet) in length. They have a stockier build, smaller heads with little to no beak, and small, triangular dorsal fins (except for finless porpoises). Dolphins and porpoises also have differently shaped teeth: porpoises have spade-shaped teeth, while dolphins have conical teeth. There are six species of porpoises, including the vaquita, which is the most critically endangered cetacean.
- Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
- Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus)
- Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis)
- Long-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis)
- Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)
- Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris)
- Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata)
- Atlantic Spotted Dolphin (Stenella frontalis)
- Clymene Dolphin (Stenella clymene)
- Fraser's Dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei)
- False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens)
- Killer Whale/Orca (Orcinus orca)
- Risso's Dolphin (Grampus griseus)
- Atlantic White-sided Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus)
- White-beaked Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris)
- Pacific White-sided Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens)
- Hourglass Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus cruciger)
- Dusky Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus)
- Peale's Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus australis)
- Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa attenuata)
- Long-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala melas)
- Short-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus)
- Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis)
- Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin (Sousa plumbea)
- Atlantic Humpback Dolphin (Sousa teuszii)
- Melon-headed Whale (Peponocephala electra)
- Commerson's Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii)
- Hector's Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori)
- Chilean Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus eutropia)
- Heaviside's Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii)
- Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)
- Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni)
33. Amazon River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis)
34. Bolivian River Dolphin (Inia boliviensis)
35. Araguaian River Dolphin (Inia araguaiaensis)
34. Bolivian River Dolphin (Inia boliviensis)
35. Araguaian River Dolphin (Inia araguaiaensis)
36. Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)
37. Yangtze River Dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer) - likely extinct
38. La Plata Dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei)
39. Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
40. Spectacled Porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica)
41. Vaquita (Phocoena sinus)
42. Dall's Porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli)
43. Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides)
44. Burmeister's Porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis)
45. Spectacled Porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica)
40. Spectacled Porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica)
41. Vaquita (Phocoena sinus)
42. Dall's Porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli)
43. Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides)
44. Burmeister's Porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis)
45. Spectacled Porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica)
46. Fraser's Dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei)
47. Clymene Dolphin (Stenella clymene)
48. Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni)
49. Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin (Sousa plumbea)
47. Clymene Dolphin (Stenella clymene)
48. Australian Snubfin Dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni)
49. Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin (Sousa plumbea)
DELPHINES:
Comprehensive Review
Comprehensive Review
Dolphins (Delphinidae) are a family of aquatic mammals belonging to the order Cetacea. They are among the most intellectually advanced animals on the planet.
General Body Characteristics
- Streamlined shape to reduce water resistance.
- Skin with regenerative properties.
- Unique ability for echolocation.
- Highly sensitive vision (both underwater and above water).
- Well-developed hearing and minimal reliance on smell.
- Lungs adapted for breath-holding (up to 10 minutes in some species).
- Nasal valve for breathing through a blowhole.
- High intelligence: large brain and well-developed cortex.
Dolphins exhibit one of the most complex forms of social organization among marine mammals. Let's examine each aspect of their social behavior in detail:
Group Organization:
Group Organization:
- Formation of pods of up to 100 individuals is a crucial survival strategy. This structure provides protection from predators, increases hunting efficiency, and promotes social learning. Group composition may vary depending on season and food availability.
- Dolphins have developed a sophisticated communication system using various sound signals:
- Clicks are used for echolocation and navigation
- Whistles serve for social communication and emotional expression
- Ultrasonic signals aid in prey detection and long-distance communication
- Each dolphin has a unique "signature whistle" that serves as their personal identifier
- Mothers teach offspring essential survival skills
- Young individuals learn through observation and imitation
- Cultural traditions are passed down through generations
- Show capability for complex problem-solving
- Care for sick or injured pod members
- Assistance during birthing
- Protection of weaker group members
- Cooperative calf-rearing
Ancient Times
- Earliest references to dolphins found in Sumerian texts (circa 4000 BCE)
- In Ancient Greece, dolphins were considered sacred animals of the god Apollo
- Hunting dolphins was prohibited in some ancient cities
- Sailors regarded dolphins as a good omen
- Early scientific descriptions by Aristotle and Pliny the Elder
- Systematic studies began in the 18th–19th centuries
- 1960s: Active research into dolphin intelligence
- 1970s: Establishment of the first dolphinariums
- 1986: Ban on commercial whalingDolphins in Culture and Art
Literature
- Ancient myths about dolphins (the story of Arion)
- The Day of the Dolphin by Robert Merle
- Numerous children’s books and stories
- Flipper (1963)
- Free Willy (1993)
- Documentaries by BBC and National Geographic
- Frescoes of the Minoan civilization
- Ancient mosaics
- Modern marine art
Ancient Beliefs
- Symbol of divine wisdom in Ancient Greek culture
- Intermediaries between humans and gods in Polynesian beliefs
- Sacred animals in the cultures of Oceania
- Symbol of harmony and balance
- Use of the dolphin image in meditative practices
- Dolphin-assisted therapy as an alternative treatment method
- Freedom and independence
- Embodiment of wisdom and intelligence
- Symbol of protection and guardianship
Cognitive Abilities
- Ability for self-awareness (mirror test)
- Existence of "names" (individual whistles)
- Capacity for abstract thinking
- Complex system of sound signals
- Ability to mimic sounds
- Dialects among different groups
- Impact of ocean pollution on dolphin populations
- Effects of climate change
- Conservation programs for species protection
Major Threats
- Ocean pollution
- Fishing nets
- Noise pollution
- Poaching
- International conventions for marine mammal protection
- Establishment of marine reserves
- Rehabilitation programs for injured individuals
- Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC)
- The Dolphin Project
- International Marine Mammal Project (IMMP)
YOUR BEACON INTO THE WORLD OF DOLPHINS
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Dear ocean lovers, researchers, educators, and nature advocates,
We are shaping the future of marine education.
Our Educational Programs section is your beacon into the world of dolphins — designed to support independent learning, deepen understanding of the ocean, and connect you with a global community dedicated to marine conservation.
We are shaping the future of marine education.
Our Educational Programs section is your beacon into the world of dolphins — designed to support independent learning, deepen understanding of the ocean, and connect you with a global community dedicated to marine conservation.
Welcome to a global educational platform dedicated to the study of dolphins and the protection of the world’s oceans.
Our mission is to unite science, ecology, and culture to inspire meaningful learning, responsible curiosity, and active participation in ocean conservation.
In an era of critical challenges — pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss — education becomes a catalyst for change.
All programs are designed for self-guided learning and do not require mandatory instructor supervision.
Our mission is to unite science, ecology, and culture to inspire meaningful learning, responsible curiosity, and active participation in ocean conservation.
In an era of critical challenges — pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss — education becomes a catalyst for change.
All programs are designed for self-guided learning and do not require mandatory instructor supervision.
We have developed four in-depth programs, each structured as a complete educational pathway based on scientific research and modern pedagogical principles.
Age / Level — Program — Key Focus
Ages 4–7 | Early Learning
“Discovering Dolphins”
Play-based activities and storytelling featuring a dolphin calf named Dolly, fostering empathy and foundational knowledge.
Ages 8–12 | Primary Education
“Young Marine Explorer”
Hands-on experiments, observations, and project-based learning in marine biology and conservation.
Ages 13–17 | Secondary Education
“Young Marine Biologist”
In-depth exploration of dolphin anatomy, behavior, and introductory scientific research skills, supporting early career orientation.
Ages 18+ | Adults
“Dolphin Science & Conservation”
Two learning tracks:
Age / Level — Program — Key Focus
Ages 4–7 | Early Learning
“Discovering Dolphins”
Play-based activities and storytelling featuring a dolphin calf named Dolly, fostering empathy and foundational knowledge.
Ages 8–12 | Primary Education
“Young Marine Explorer”
Hands-on experiments, observations, and project-based learning in marine biology and conservation.
Ages 13–17 | Secondary Education
“Young Marine Biologist”
In-depth exploration of dolphin anatomy, behavior, and introductory scientific research skills, supporting early career orientation.
Ages 18+ | Adults
“Dolphin Science & Conservation”
Two learning tracks:
- Professional Track (research-oriented)
- General Track (for activists, educators, and enthusiasts)
- Scientific accuracy
- Interactive learning
- Development of empathy
- Personal responsibility for nature and the living planet
Download the complete Educational Guide
One unified document containing all programs — from early childhood activities to advanced research pathways.
Choose the program that matches your age, interests, and learning goals.
Use all platform resources:
Build a portfolio of your projects and join the Dolphin Lovers Community to exchange ideas and experiences worldwide.
One unified document containing all programs — from early childhood activities to advanced research pathways.
Choose the program that matches your age, interests, and learning goals.
Use all platform resources:
- Scientific Library — for foundational knowledge
- Articles & News — for current research and discoveries
- Media Library — photos and videos for immersive learning
- AI Eco Assistant — for quick guidance and answers
Build a portfolio of your projects and join the Dolphin Lovers Community to exchange ideas and experiences worldwide.
A CALL TO ACTION
This guide is not just a text — it is an invitation to action.
By studying dolphins, you contribute to the global protection of oceans and help shape a culture of responsibility toward our living planet.
By studying dolphins, you contribute to the global protection of oceans and help shape a culture of responsibility toward our living planet.
DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM GUIDE — “DOLPHIN HUB”
One document. All age levels. Academic structure.
This document presents the full Dolphin Hub Curriculum:
- Designed for independent learners, educators, researchers, and partners
- FOUR AGE-BASED PROGRAMS, EACH DESIGNED FOR ONE ACADEMIC YEAR
- Includes methodology, learning objectives, modules, lesson structures, and progress assessment systems
For educators and organizations:
This document may also serve as a foundation for in-person or hybrid educational programs, provided all activities comply with applicable local laws and regulations.
This document may also serve as a foundation for in-person or hybrid educational programs, provided all activities comply with applicable local laws and regulations.
DOLPHIN HUB — THE WORLD'S FIRST GLOBAL INTERACTION PLATFORM
Contribution
We value your input! Help us make the platform better by contributing.
Fix: Found an error? Report it!
- New material: Share your knowledge
- Update: Refresh the DATA
- Translation: Make content more accessible
- Media content: photos, videos with dolphins
- Your project — suggest an idea
