Expectation turns to sadness as zoo dolphin calf is stillborn

Star Tribune

Last update: March 27, 2009 - 12:03 AM

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A dolphin calf was stillborn early Thursday at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley.

Zoo spokeswoman Kelly Lessard said the female calf was the offspring of Allie, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Dolphins often have a difficult start in life. Only 70 percent survive their first 30 days.

The Minnesota Zoo's marine mammal staff and veterinarians had "carefully monitored the health of both mother and calf during the 12-month pregnancy," the zoo said. "All checkups and tests, including an ultrasound performed on March 24, showed the calf was viable at the time."

Complications during labor are suspected as the cause of death, the zoo said. A necropsy (animal autopsy) will be performed.

Allie, six days shy of 22, has been at the zoo since arriving in January 2008 from the Dolphin Connection in Florida. The zoo houses three other Atlantic bottlenose dolphins besides Allie: April, 41; Semo, 45, and Spree, 6.

PAUL WALSH