Scientists in Australia have unveiled a new prehistoric whale species that looks like it walked straight out of a Pokémon game. Named Janjucetus dullardi, this 25-million-year-old predator sported bulging cartoon-like eyes and a bite far more dangerous than its deceptively cute appearance suggested.
Erich Fitzgerald, senior curator of vertebrate paleontology at Museums Victoria Research Institute, described it as “a mash-up between a whale, a seal, and a Pokémon.” But despite its cuddly looks, Fitzgerald warned the creature was no toy: even as a juvenile, it was already bed-sized with teeth perfect for hunting. 
Some researchers speculate it may have had small leg-like stubs-adding even more to its strange, almost video game boss design.
Janjucetus dullardi belongs to the rare mammalodontids group, ancient whales that lived between 34 and 23 million years ago and eventually evolved into today’s humpbacks and minkes. In Pokémon terms, it would definitely fall under the Water-type category-though one with an overpowered bite attack.
The fossil was discovered years ago on a beach by Ross Dullard, a high school principal and amateur fossil hunter. After six years of analysis, the find was officially confirmed this week, leaving Dullard elated: “It’s been the greatest 24 hours of my life,” he said, recalling how his students greeted him with high-fives after the announcement. His dedication, sleepless nights, and fossil-fueled dreams have finally paid off.
So while you can’t toss a Pokéball at it, Janjucetus dullardi proves once again that nature has always been designing creatures that rival even the wildest imaginations of game developers.