Last week, I spent some time in Southern California, where I was born. One of my favorite things to do is hit the beach. I could spend all day splashing in the water, building sand castles, and looking for seashells. My favorite animals are sea animals, too. I had my eye out for dolphins, but I didn't get to see any. Maybe next time. I did study dolphins last year and wrote a little report. Read along and learn about the cutest animal in the sea. (Stay tuned for a shark report in the near future, too.)
Splish-Splash! A dolphin is diving. Wait! He seems to stay up on his tail. He looks like he is smiling at you. Do you know anything about him? Here are some things you can learn.Dolphins are beautiful animals. They have a long sleek body and two flippers. A triangle back fin and a flat tail fin help them to swim fast. A blowhole on its head is for breathing. Their teeth are shiny white. He looks like he is always smiling.
Dolphins eat all day long. Dolphins eat octopus, eel, squid, small fish, and shrimp. In fact, they eat about 20 pounds a day. That’s a lot of seafood!
Dolphins use echolocation to find food. They send out a clicking sound that bounces. It can go for many miles. Dolphins can even find their way in the dark. Can you find your way at night without a flashlight? Dolphins can. 
Dolphins have enemies, too. Sharks and killer whales want to eat dolphins. By accident, sometimes people can kill dolphins, too. Men use nets for tuna fish and dolphins get caught too. Poor dolphins! 
I hope you've enjoyed learning a little about these gentle animals of the sea. Maybe you'll get a chance to see one the next time you hit the beach. 
