Minnesota Zoo is expecting a new dolphin

Star Tribune

Last update: November 14, 2009 - 12:18 AM

There is baby news at the Minnesota Zoo: Allie the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin is expecting a calf next summer.

The pregnancy was confirmed during an ultrasound Friday, the zoo in Apple Valley announced.

Allie, 22, arrived at the zoo in January 2008 and is on loan from the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago.

Semo, the father to be, has been at the zoo since 1991. He is 45 and is thought to be one of the oldest male dolphins in human care.

"We just completed the ultrasound, and are excited that the calf is growing and has a strong heartbeat," said marine mammal supervisor Diane Fusco. "We are cautiously optimistic that everything will go smoothly."

The dolphin exhibit is operating normally for public viewing during the pregnancy, said zoo spokeswoman Kelly Lessard.

Allie's previous calf was stillborn in March from complications during labor. Dolphin calves face a perilous first year, with 70 percent surviving their first 30 days.

The Minnesota Zoo is also home to dolphins April, 42, and Spree, 7. April is Allie's mother, and Spree is Semo's daughter.

The zoo is temporarily housing three dolphins from the Brookfield Zoo while their oceanarium is being renovated.

PAUL WALSH

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