Māui dolphin

Māui Dolphin

The Māui dolphin is a very special and rare dolphin that lives only in New Zealand. It is a smaller type of dolphin called Hector's dolphin, and it lives only on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island.

These dolphins are very small and very few are left. People love them and work hard to keep them safe. The name "Māui" comes from the Māori name for the North Island, Te Ika-a-Māui, after a special story character named Māui. In Māori, dolphin is called popoto.

Māui dolphins like to play in the water. They play with seaweed, chase each other, and blow bubbles. They use special sounds to talk and find food. Scientists are studying these dolphins to help them stay safe and happy.