All mammals have hair at some point in their life and dolphins are no exception. Dolphins have a few whiskers around their snout in the womb and when they are first born but they soon lose them.
Amazon River dolphins (botos) keep these hairs into adulthood - they are sensory hairs and thought to help them search for prey on the river bed along with echolocation. The water they live in is very murky so eyesight has only limited use.
The bumps on humpback whales’ heads are hair follicles and some adult humpbacks still have hairs growing from them.
Amazing facts about whales and dolphins
Dive deeper into the world of whales and dolphins and learn more about their lives.
Facts about whales
Amazing facts about whales, the largest mammals to live on Earth.
Facts about dolphins
From the orca to the tiny vaquita, learn more about these creatures.
Record breakers
Whales and dolphins hold some incredible records.
Brain power
Just how intelligent are whales and dolphins?
Help protect whales and dolphins and their homes
By adopting a whale or dolphin, by making a donation, or by fundraising for WDC, you can help us save these amazing creatures.
Adopt
Adopt an orca and help us protect these amazing creatures.
Donate
Your gifts help us take action to protect their homes.
Fundraise
Run, bake, walk, cycle… what could you do for orcas?
