Beloved sea mammal dubbed ‘Michael Jordan’ for insane act confirming the wonder of nature

A dolphin captured soaring above the sea led nature buffs to dub it the “Michael Jordan” of sea mammals for its incredible ups.

The astonishing photo posted on the Pacific Whale Foundation’s Instagram page showed a Pantropical spotted dolphin flying through the air.

It was captured by the foundation’s research team on March 4 off Maui’s west shore, according to KTLA.

“THIS IS NOT AI,” the post read. “Introducing the Micheal Jordan of Dolphins, Air Dolphin, estimated to jump 15 ft in the air.”

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It went on to explain that pantropical spotted dolphins grow to about 6 to 7 feet and weigh about 250 pounds.

“If a human could match this feat relative to their body size, it would be like jumping clear over a basketball hoop.”

Pantropical, which have a a streamlined body, short beak and a small tail, are the only species of dolphin in the North Pacific Ocean without a dorsal fin, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service.

They can be found in the cold to temperate waters of the Pacific Ocean, with their range from northern Baja California all the way to the Gulf of Alaska, Russia and Japan, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The NOAA noted that these dolphins are “acrobatic” and can leap more than 20 feet over the surface of the water.

They are also incredibly fast swimmers, reaching average speeds of 16 miles per hour and short bursts of 22 miles per hour. 

Known as energetic dolphins, they are highly social and are often seen traveling with other species like rough-toothed dolphins, short-finned pilot whales and spinner dolphins.

They are typically located in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. Scientists estimate that there are about 68,000 northern right whale dolphins in the entire North Pacific Ocean, the NOAA noted.