CHICAGO (AP) A bottlenose dolphin at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago welcomed a new calf early Saturday morning, aided by the presence of another experienced dolphin mother. This momentous birth was captured on video by the zoo staff, highlighting the supportive nature of dolphins during childbirth.
The dolphin calf was born to a 38-year-old bottlenose dolphin named Allie, while a team of veterinarians was on hand to monitor the birth. The labor lasted over an hour, during which Allie was encouraged by observers. “Push, push, push,” one voice can be heard in the footage, as Allie gracefully swims around the tank, revealing the calf's small tail fins trailing behind her.
As the calf emerged, it instinctively swam to the surface of the pool to take its first breath. Accompanying Allie was 43-year-old Tapeko, another experienced dolphin who remained close by during the delivery. In the video, Tapeko can be seen tailing the newborn as it ascends for air, ensuring it receives the necessary support in those critical moments.
According to zoo staff, it is natural for dolphins to assist each other during childbirth, which is a behavior observed in both natural habitats and aquariums. Dr. Jennifer Langan, Senior Veterinarian at Brookfield Zoo, stated in a video statement, “That’s very common both in free-ranging settings but also in aquaria. It provides the mom extra protection and a little bit of extra help to help get the calf to the surface to help it breathe in those couple of minutes where she’s still having really strong contractions.”
Zoo officials reported that initial assessments indicate the recently born calf is in good health, weighing approximately 35 pounds (16 kilograms) and measuring nearly four feet in length (115-120 centimeters). This weight and length are roughly equivalent to that of an adult golden retriever dog, illustrating the calf's robust start to life.
The zoo's Seven Seas exhibit will be temporarily closed to allow time for the calf to bond with its mother and adjust to the other dolphins in their social group. As bonding progresses, the calf has begun to learn the technique of slipstreaming, which involves swimming alongside its mother to conserve energy while moving through the water.
Veterinarians will closely monitor the calf's nursing, swimming abilities, and other important developmental milestones, particularly over the next 30 days. Additionally, the calf will undergo a paternity test to determine which male dolphin at the zoo is its father.
Zoo officials have announced that they plan to name the calf later this summer, once it has settled into its new environment and formed its connections with the zoo’s dolphin group.
