Shedd Aquarium Welcomes Newest Dolphin Calf

Photo: Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium staff Monday basked in the glow of one proud dolphin mama.

Pacific white-sided dolphin Piquet gave birth to her “energetic calf” just after midnight, in the Secluded Bay habitat of the Abbott Oceanarium.

Staff stood waiting with bated breath, watching for the calf to surpass its first critical milestones, such as coming to the surface for air. The calf then swam closer to its mother, allowing it to swim alongside her with minimal effort, according to the aquarium’s blog.

Crew will monitor the pair in its bonding process, with nursing being the next crucial step. Known as “the deal breaker” for calves, the mother’s tendency to just keep swimming makes nursing the most difficult behavior for the calf to learn, as the mammary glands are “moving targets.”

Fewer than half of all dolphin and whale calves born survive to their first birthday, whether in the ocean or in captivity, Shedd reports.

“Our experts are providing the best care to Piquet and her calf using knowledge gained through previous births here and a wealth of information shared among the four accredited North American aquariums, including Shedd, that care for and study Pacific white-sided dolphins and are partners in a cooperative breeding program for them,” Shedd staff wrote. “We already treasure Piquet’s new calf, but it will also an important addition to the zoological population and to our understanding of this beautiful, athletic species, which is difficult to study in the wild.”

To allow the pair time to bond, Secluded Bay is currently closed to the public.

But! You can follow their progress on Facebook and Twitter.