Wolphin
A Wholphin or Wolphin is a rare hybrid, born from a mating of a male false killer whale Pseudorca crassidens (actually another dolphin species, taxonomically speaking) and female Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus. Although they have been reported to exist in the wild, there are currently only two in captivity, both at Sea Life Park in Hawaii.
Wolphin preggo?
The wolphin proved fertile when she gave birth at a very young age. The baby wolphin died after a few days. However, in 1991, Kekaimalu gave birth once again, to daughter Pohaikealoha. For 2 years she cared for the calf, but did not nurse it (it was hand-reared by trainers). Pohaikealoha died at age 9.
On December 23, 2004, Kekaimalu had her third calf, daughter Kawili Kai, sired by a male bottlenose. This calf did nurse and was very playful. Only months after birth, it was the size of a 1-year-old bottlenose dolphin.
Both wolphin remain in captivity, and are now part of the normal tour at Sea Life Park. Kekaimalu the wolphin is featured in the main dolphin show at Sea Life Park.
