A List of Needs for a Dolphin That Lives in Your Habitat

Dolphins are among the most intelligent animals in the world. This, along with their social nature, allows them to thrive in virtually any setting. Although human contact is usually restricted to a zoo or a natural reserve, some dolphins may end up living near a residential community. In that event, there are a few essential things that must be provided for dolphins to thrive in that environment.

  1. Diet

    • Dolphins are a predatory species that eat a variety of different sea animals. Small fish, squid, crustaceans and even turtles are a part of a dolphin's diet. Typically, dolphins will eat around 15 to 30 lbs. a day, relative to their size. A dolphin will swallow smaller prey whole, or break the catch into bite-size pieces. A dolphin will need plenty of food to sustain a healthy diet in order to thrive in any habitat.

    Water

    • Dolphins are warm-blooded animals that keep their internal body temperature around 98 degrees F. Although dolphins can thrive an any type of water, most species, like the bottlenose dolphin, prefer warmer water. Dolphins in cold water must conserve their body heat and will not be as active as their warm water counterparts. The dolphin's body is surrounded by a thick layer of fat (blubber) directly beneath the skin. This layer of fat helps keep the dolphins as warm as possible. Dolphins need as warm a body of water as possible to remain active.

    Dolphin Calf

    • A calf is the term used for a newborn dolphin until it turns three years old. A dolphin calf requires its mother for at least the first three months of its life or it won't survive. For the first three months, a dolphin calf will feed strictly on its mother's milk. The calf will continue to nurse for an entire year, but will slowly begin to eat small fish as well. Calves stay with their mothers for three years, so it is imperative that a dolphin calf's environment includes its mother.

    Socializing

    • Dolphins are known to be social animals. Typically, dolphins travel in large groups of up to 12. When together, they communicate with each other using a sequence of vocalizations such as clicks and whistles. Dolphins living in a group are beneficial to each other. They ensure that each member is fed and properly taken care of when injured. A dolphin needs other companions in order to survive in your or any other habitat.