Waipatia maerewhenua : Prehistoric Dolphin

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Time Period : Late Oligocene (approximately 18-23 million years ago)Location : New ZealandSize : Estimated to be around 4 to 5 meters in length Available sizes • Large – 1:20 of the actual size | Normal, Pre-supported and Hollowed versions• Medium– 1:35 of the actual size | Normal, Pre-supported and Hollowed versions Description Waipatia is an extinct genus of ancient dolphin-like cetaceans that lived during the late Oligocene to early Miocene epochs, approximately 23 to 18 million years ago. Fossils of Waipatia have been discovered in marine deposits in New Zealand. Belonging to the family Platanistidae, Waipatia exhibited characteristics of both modern dolphins and their ancestors, showcasing an important transitional stage in cetacean evolution. With a streamlined body and specialized adaptations for aquatic life, Waipatia likely inhabited coastal and estuarine environments, feeding on fish and other marine prey. Its discovery has contributed valuable information to the understanding of cetacean evolutionary history and their ecological adaptations. Additional Details Chitubox file provided if you want to resize the model. Care should be taken when removing supports. Using a heat gun or a blow dryer is highly recommended.