Maui’s Dolphin – the smallest dolphin in the world

• A sub-species of the very small Hector’s Dolphin
• They only live in New Zealand’s shallow coastal waters
• This little species is at risk of becoming extinct
• Approximately only 55 individuals left in the wild
• Fully grown the Maui’s dolphin is between 1.2-1.4m long
• Adults weigh approximately 50kg
• The lifespan of the Maui’s dolphin is around 20 years
• Calves are 50-60cm in length when born; large compared to their mother
• Grey/black colouration, with white stripes along their sides, and a white underside
• Only one single calf is born every 2-4 years; this means they are struggling to increase in number naturally, let alone after human poaching
• Most of its time is spent feeding; however there is always time to play with seaweed, chase other dolphins, blow bubbles, and jump

Dwarf Sperm Whale – the smallest whale in the world

• A sub-species of the Sperm Whale
• They are blue-grey in colour, with a lighter underside
• The Dwarf Sperm Whale is a protected species, although they are not considered under threat
• They prefer warm tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters
• Females can have a single calf each year
• Calves are born measuring 1.0-1.2m in length
• Fully grown, this whale reaches up to 2.7m in length
• Adults weigh approximately 180-270kg
• Their lifespan of the is around 22-25 years
• Typically a solitary species, however can be found travelling in small pods (groups)
• Fishing nets and marine debris are the biggest human threats to this species