Footage captures dolphin calf birth and inaugural breath at the Chicago zoo, with a fellow dolphin lending a fin to the process.
Dolphin Birth at Chicago Zoo: A Mother's Struggle and the Help of Another
Witness a breathtaking moment at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago as their resident bottlenose dolphin, Allie, gave birth early Saturday morning, with extra help from a fellow dolphin, Tapeko.
Despite being a seasoned mother at 38, Allie had a challenging labor that lasted over an hour. The zoo staff anxiously monitored her, with one observer shouting, "Push, push, push," as Allie swam around in circles, the newborn's tiny tail fins visible beneath her.
As Allie gave birth, Tapeko, a 43-year-old experienced mother, stayed close by, offering support. In the video released by the zoo, Tapeko can be seen following the newborn calf to the surface and aiding it in taking its first breath. This mutual support is common among dolphins during birth, the zoo shared.
Though dolphins are known for cooperation and even helping other species, scientific evidence documenting them acting as midwives is scarce. Reports of "dolphin-assisted" behaviors primarily consist of anecdotal accounts, covering instances where dolphins help human swimmers or interact cross-species.
Despite the lack of extensive research, dolphins are intelligent creatures that show social bonding and the ability to use tools. However, their role in supporting each other during birthing, like physically assisting or using echolocation, is largely anecdotal.
Early signs show that the calf is doing well, weighing around 35 pounds (16 kilograms) and measuring nearly four feet in length (115-120 centimeters), comparable to an adult golden retriever dog. The Seven Seas exhibit will be temporarily closed while the calf and its mother bond and the newborn acclimates to its group.
The future calf will undergo a paternity test to determine its father among the male dolphins at the zoo. Though the calf's name remains undecided, zoo officials plan to announce it later this summer.
Additional Reads
- In the heart of sunny California, pet owners might be intrigued by the lifestyle of dolphins, particularly in relation to home-and-garden setups, as the newborn calf's size, weighing around 16 kilograms, is comparable to an adult golden retriever dog.
- As the calf grows, it may benefit from a healthy diet, similar to many pets, as the zoo staff ensures the calf receives proper nutrition and care.
- As the zoo community eagerly awaits the announcement of the newborn dolphin's name, devoted pet enthusiasts in California and beyond might find inspiration in the strong bond between Allie and Tapeko, demonstrating the nurturing and supportive nature of both dolphins and pets.
