Three Cheers for Dolphin Quest!
The third and final Atlantic bottlenose dolphin baby was born on Wednesday, June 6th to Caliban! Cirrus’ calf was born on May 23rd; and Bailey’s on Sunday, June 3rd. We are elated to welcome our third dolphin calf and the final addition to our animal family expected this Spring as part of this international groundbreaking reproduction study,” remarked Christine Mihelcic, General Manager for Dolphin Quest Bermuda. “The new mother and baby – all three mothers and babies – are healthy and doing fine.”
All were successfully impregnated through artificial insemination approximately 12 months ago. Artificial insemination allows Dolphin Quest to expand or maximize genetics within the marine mammal community without moving dolphins from one location to another for breeding. The first few months of a young dolphin’s life are critical, as babies learn to nurse and mothers and calves establish nurturing bonds. Dolphin Quest’s marine mammal specialists will be monitoring the mothers and their calves on a 24-hour basis for the next several weeks.
Cirrus (33) is the oldest dolphin at Dolphin Quest. She is the mother of Nimbus (age 7 1/2) and Lily (age 2 1/2). One feature that makes Cirrus easy to identify is her beautiful, charcoal grey color. Prior to her arrival in Bermuda in 1996, Cirrus was a part of the U.S. Navy, most likely working as a companion animal.
Bailey (17) is the beautiful dolphin that can be recognized by her incredibly pink belly, with many freckles. Her name comes from Bailey’s Bay in Hamilton parish. At 17 years of age, Bailey is the proud mother of three dolphins and is currently pregnant with her fourth. She is a great mom and will eagerly “baby-sit” for other dolphins.
Caliban (14) is named after a character in Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest,” which is thought to be written about the wreck of the Sea Venture in Bermuda. Caliban’s trainers often refer to her as a ‘model’ dolphin because of her identifiable brown birthmark above her left eye and her perfectionist qualities. She delights both Crew and Guests with her inventiveness and lighthearted nature stimulated by new challenges to her daily routine.
|