The Hector’s dolphin – ‘The Kiwi of the Sea’

WWF New Zealand has created the ‘Adopt a Hector’s Dolphin’ project which allows the public to help in the conservation of these endangered mammals. WWF uses money raised from these adoptions to assist the Hector’s and Maui’s dolphin conservation programme. Their ultimate aim is to create a self-sustaining population free from threats posed by human activity.

Supporting marine habitats

Dolphin Blue is proud to support WWF New Zealand’s work towards protecting the endangered Hector’s Dolphin found only around New Zealand. While 30 years ago there were an estimated 26,000 Hector’s Dolphins ranging throughout New Zealand’s waters, there are only about 7,270 remaining today. Even though Hector’s Dolphins are not found in the Bay of Plenty, Dolphin Blue supports WWF New Zealand’s ‘Adopt a Hector’s’ programme, helping to raise much-needed funds and to create awareness of the plight of this magnificent animal.

Join us in helping to protect New Zealand’s heritage and adopt a Hector’s dolphin today!

Things to know

The Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins are among the smallest in the world, ranging in length between 1.2 and 1.4 meters and weighing up to 50 kg. They can be identified by their sloping beak and unique rounded dorsal fin. The Hector’s dolphin has a distinct colour pattern consisting of light grey ‘flames’ on its sides, white underbelly and black face, flippers, dorsal fin and tail.

Both the Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins are endangered native New Zealand species. Today, there are only 100 Maui’s dolphins left in New Zealand.