How Do Dolphins Drink Their Water?

The vast majority of dolphin species live in oceans. Unlike saltwater fish, which have special adaptations that enable them to drink saltwater, dolphins' kidneys are incapable of processing ocean water.

Food Sources

According to the San Diego Zoo, dolphins gain all of their water from the bodies of the fish they eat. Dolphins share this adaptation with some species of land-dwelling desert mammals.

Efficient Design

Like other fully aquatic mammals, dolphins require very little water for survival. Their bodies are efficiently designed---unlike land mammals, they have no need to sweat and produce very little urine.

Dehydration

In times of deprivation, many mammals suffer from the effects of dehydration long before they are affected by starvation. Because of dolphins' biology, they are unlikely to ever suffer from dehydration.

Lactation

Lactating mother dolphins produce a thick, dense milk that is nearly solid; this produces enough to meet the needs of a growing calf without depleting the mother's water reserves.

River Dolphins

Some rare species of dolphin, including the Amazon river dolphin, actually live and thrive in freshwater ecosystems. They may drink water while eating or playing.

References

• San Diego Zoo: Dolphin