Minnesota Zoo welcomes newborn dolphin

Article by: Star Tribune
Updated: July 19, 2010 - 7:28 PM

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Allie and her newborn calf.

Photo: Minnesota Zoo,

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You can't visit her yet, but the calf is doing well and could be on display in the fall.

THE NUMBERS

The newborn, a female weighing about 30 pounds and measuring 2 to 3 feet long, was born late Saturday. Her mother spent about two hours in labor after 12 months of pregnancy.

THE LINEAGE

The calf was born to Allie, at right, one of three Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at the zoo in Apple Valley. Her dad is Semo.

She is the second calf for Allie, 23, and the fourth for Semo, 45. Semo is believed to be one of the oldest reproducing male dolphins in human care.

The Minnesota Zoo also houses Allie's mom, April, 42.

SO FAR, SO GOOD

Mother and daughter are doing well so far, zoo officials say. Dolphins often have a difficult start in life. Only 70 percent survive their first 30 days. In March 2009, Allie gave birth to a stillborn calf.

But zoo officials say the baby is nursing quite a bit and sticking close to mom.

WHAT THEY SAY

"Allie has great maternal skills," marine mammal supervisor Diane Fusco said. "As mother and calf bonding is critical, Allie followed her calf right up to the water's surface, and the calf has been swimming alongside her since."