Duba: A bottle-nosed baby will soon join the pod of five adult dolphins at Dubai Dolphinarium.
Kept out of the public gaze for a year, the baby will be showcased for the first time when the dolphinarium kicks off its fifth anniversary celebrations on May 17.
Giving XPRESS a sneak peek at the baby dolphin ahead of the release, Samantha Watson, the dolphinarium’s marketing manager, said: “The baby dolphin was born right here at the dolphinarium on May 28 last year to proud parents Senya and Ksyusha. He is all set to celebrate his first birthday.”
Recalling the eventful birth, dolphin educator Traill Stocker said: “I still remember the time when Ksyusha went into labour. Pregnant for 12 months, she was in a separate maternity pool. When she swam and rolled over, out popped the little one, tail first. He weighed 9.5kg and was 1 metre long. Look at him now, he’s all of 40kg and 1.20 metres long.”
in good health
He said the baby is in good health and has integrated well with the other dolphins. “He is very social and loves being with his mom, dad and extended family.”
The little one, however, is yet to be named. It will be the privilege of dolphinarium visitors to name him, said Watson, noting that a naming competition will be held during the anniversary celebrations. “They will be able to meet the baby when the dolphinarium celebrates its 5th birthday between May 17-25. They can also win return tickets to India and the Far East with Jet Airways, weekend staycations from SATA, balloon rides with Balloon Adventures, Centre-point vouchers and much more. Before and after the shows children will be entertained by mascots and face-painters,” she said.
The interactive dolphin shows will be held twice daily Monday to Thursday and three times a day on weekends, when the seals can be seen at their skillful best, dancing, singing, juggling, even playing ball and jumping through hoops.
Those older than five can swim with the dolphins as well.
