New Dolphin Calf Born at Chicago Zoo

CHICAGO — A bottlenose dolphin at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago gave birth to a calf early Saturday morning, with the supportive presence of her mother. The event was captured on video by the zoo staff.

The 38-year-old dolphin, named Allie, received cheers from a team of veterinarians as they watched the birth unfold. The audible encouragement, “push, push, push,” can be heard in the footage shared by the zoo.

Once born, the calves instinctively swam toward the surface to take their first breath. Another experienced dolphin, 43-year-old Tapeko, was also present in the tank. In the videos, Tapeko is seen following the newborn, ensuring it can take that crucial first gulp of air.

Zoologists noted that it’s typical for dolphins to seek out one another during childbirth. Dr. Jennifer Langan, the Senior Veterinarian at the zoo, mentioned in a statement that this behavior isn’t just observed in natural settings but also in aquariums. “It provides the mother’s protective support and helps guide the calf to the surface for its initial breath,” she explained.

Early indicators suggest the calf is healthy, weighing in at about 35 pounds (around 16 kilograms) and measuring nearly 4 feet long (115-120 centimeters), similar to the size of a golden retriever.

The Seven Seas exhibition at the zoo has been closed temporarily to allow the calves to bond with their mothers and adjust to other dolphins in their group.

During this adjustment period, the calves have already begun to learn skills like slipstreaming behind their mothers, which helps them conserve energy while swimming. Veterinarians will keep a close eye on the calves as they progress with nursing, swimming, and other important developments over the next month.

In the future, the calves will undergo tests to identify their fathers among the male dolphins at the zoo. The zoo intends to name the calves later this summer.