Pakicetus

After the divergence of the the early archaic mammals that gave rise to mesonychids, artiodactyls/hippos, and whales, Pakicetus was the earliest genus leading eventually to whales to be discovered. Found in river and shallow stream deposits Paki probably lived the life of an aquatic opportunist, foraging a bit like a modern raccoon, with a sensitive snout and without the manipulative forepaws.