Whale facts Whale Facts General Specific types of whales General facts about Whales Whales are mammals. Whales are warm blooded and maintain an average body temperature of about 96.8 degrees. Whales have thick layers of blubber or fat that help the animal float and stay warm. Whales have fins and flippers that give them stability while swimming.
Some whales have short flippers and others have long ones.
The dorsal fins of whales vary in shape and size. The dorsal fin of a male orca is longer than that of a female. Not all whales have dorsal fins. Some whales have smooth backs while others have knobs and ridges down the middle of their backs. The underside of a whale is usually lighter than it's back.