SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – Experts from The Marine Mammal Center in San Francisco spotted a dolphin with its calves and then a porpoise with its pups.

To see two species with their offspring in one day indicates that the conservation actions are contributing to a healthier ecosystem, officials with the center said.

These mammals have many similarities but you can tell them apart through certain traits.  

Dolphins have elongated beaks and cone-shaped teeth. Porpoises have smaller mouths with spade-shaped teeth, according to the National Ocean Service.  

They also have a hooked or dorsal fin while the porpoise tends to have a more triangular dorsal fin. 

The Marine Mammal Center is the world’s largest marine mammal hospital and has rescued more marine mammals through their efforting work across the California Coastline.

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