Brookfield Zoo Welcomes Newborn Dolphin Calf

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 18, 2013 1:30PM

Dolphin shows at Brookfield Zoo have been temporarily suspended because one of the star attractions just had a baby. Tapeko, 31, gave birth to a male dolphin calf Oct. 16. The calf weighs 40 pounds and is approximately 3.5 feet long.

The dolphin presentations have been halted to allow Tapeko and her newborn time to bond and acclimate with the rest of the zoo's dolphins. Rita Stacey, marine mammal curator for the Chicago Zoological Society, said the first 30 day's of a newborn dolphin's life are critical. The calf will be monitored to see if he nurses from Tapeko and can slipstream, which is the hydronomic wake made by the mother as she swims using her own energy to guide the calf.

As you can see from the images above the calf has taken to slipstreaming well, but zoo personnel remain cautiously optimistic. The first 30 days of a newborn dolphin's life accounts for the largest rate of loss to dolphin populations both in the wild and under professional care as compared to any other demographic age group.

The new birth marks another watershed moment for Brookfield Zoo's dolphins. “As an experienced mom, Tapeko is able to demonstrate to the younger females how to care for a newborn calf,” Stacey said. This is especially timely as Spree, 11, is expected to give birth to her first calf later this fall. Other members of the dolphin group are Chinook, 30, sire of the new calf, and Allie, 26.