SEAWORLD CELEBRATES 79TH DOLPHIN BIRTH!
WHAT: After a 12-month gestation period, the calf was born to a Pacific bottlenose dolphin named Kolohe (pronounced ka-LO-hay) today (Tuesday, Nov. 12) at 12:33 p.m. in a behind-the-scenes pool at the marine park. Trainers and veterinarians at SeaWorld report that the mother and baby are in good health and are swimming together and bonding.
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013
DETAILS: Kolohe is a 30-year-old Pacific bottlenose dolphin; she has given birth to one other calf. Today’s birth marks the 79th successful dolphin birth at SeaWorld San Diego. As with any birth at SeaWorld, animal care specialists monitor the mother and baby round the clock, documenting respirations and nursing frequency. The calf is estimated to weigh approximately 40 pounds. The gender will be determined in the coming weeks.
SeaWorld is world-renowned for its breeding program, with successful births
of several species of dolphins, in addition to killer whales, sea lions, walruses and other marine animals. While this latest birth was the result of natural breeding, SeaWorld is a world leader in research and application of artificial insemination. In 2001, the world’s first marine mammal conceived as a result of artificial insemination was welcomed into SeaWorld’s family. In 2005, SeaWorld took that expertise a step further, with the birth of the world’s first sex-selected zoological species, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.
Kelly Terry, SeaWorld Public Relations
