Marine mammals include notably the cetaceans such as whales, dolphins, orcas and sperm whales, as well as pinnipeds like seals, walruses, sea lions and finally the sirenia which include manatees.

Marine mammals are characterized by a respiratory system made up of lungs. They therefore need to regularly surface to breathe.

Cetaceans comprise more than 80 different species and are divided into two subgroups: the baleen whales, also called Mysticetes and the toothed whales, also called Odontocetes.

There are about thirty species of dolphins, all grouped within the family of Delphinidae.

Pinnipeds include the well-known seals, sea lions and walruses, as well as the lesser-known sea lions and elephant seals. They are marine mammals perfectly adapted to aquatic life while maintaining a strong connection to land. Their name literally means « feathered feet », a reference to their limbs transformed into true flippers, which allow them to swim with remarkable agility. Under their skin, a thick layer of blubber protects them from the cold and serves as an energy reserve during long periods spent in icy waters.

Whether resting on the ice floes, diving hundreds of meters deep, or moving gracefully among the waves, pinnipeds are true champions of adaptation. Sea lions use their front flippers to move on land, while seals, less agile on land, excel in diving. The walrus, with its massive ivory tusks, stands out for its Arctic lifestyle and shellfish-based diet. These animals, both powerful and graceful, perfectly illustrate the successful transition between terrestrial and marine life.