Focus Magazine of SWFL Swimsuit Heat Wave | Page 107

MARINELAND WELCOMES DOLPHIN CALF
Marineland Dolphin Adventure has the longest standing dolphin
breeding program of any aquarium or zoo. In fact, the first dolphin birth in a human care environment took place at Marineland in 1947. Animals in accredited zoos and aquariums serve as
ambassadors to their counterparts in the wild. With every animal birth, researchers and experts can learn more from mothers, calves and other dolphins to build data that can ultimately
be used to conserve the species in their natural habitats.

One of Marineland Dolphin Adventure’s resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Dazzle, successfully gave birth to a female calf.
Shortly after birth, the calf took its first breath and then began
to swim with its mother. Both mom and calf are doing well,
and Marineland animal care and training teams will continue to
monitor the pair in the coming months.

“I’m extremely proud of the passionate, dedicated and unrivaled care that our experts have given and will continue to give
Dazzle, her calf and the other dolphins in our care as we work
through the coming critical months,“ said Kurt Allen, general
manager and vice president. “As we continue to remember
and honor the legacy of Marineland’s Nellie, who at 61 was the
longest-lived dolphin in human care, the birth of Dazzle’s calf
so soon after her passing is a beautiful reminder as to why the
Marineland Dolphin Adventure staff has dedicated their lives to
caring for these animals.”

“Over the past week, our team has been giving around-theclock care to Dazzle and her calf, taking every measure possible
to ensure that the calf thrives to its best potential,” said Dr.
Gregory Bossart, chief veterinary officer and senior vice president. “The first several days of a calf’s life are very important.
We look for critical milestones such as nursing independently,
weight gain and bonding with the mother. Dazzle and the calf
continue to surpass these important moments. The animal care
and training staff at Marineland are looking forward to the critical 30 day marker that significantly increases the calf’s chances
for success and remain cautiously optimistic.”
The animal care and training team’s work has just begun as
the first year of a calf’s life is the most critical. “In the coming months, as Dazzle’s confidence in the calf’s independence
grows, our relationship with the baby can begin to develop.”
said Michael Hunt, director of animal training. “As an experienced mother, Dazzle is a nursing mom on-the-go and our attention is focused on providing her the calories needed for her
and the calf as well as providing the best overall care for her
and the calf during this critical time.”

www.marineland.net

FOCUS of SWFL 2014 107