First dolphin calf born at Dubai Dolphinarium

Dubai: A first dolphin calf was born at Dubai Dolphinarium on 10.10.10.

Its mother, a 20-year-old Black Sea bottlenose dolphin called Ksyusha gave birth in a dedicated pool within the facility. The sex of the calf is still undetermined and is spending most of its time bonding with its mother, nursing and learning to control the movements of its body.

It measures about 90cm in length and weighs approximately 10kg. At birth the dolphin measured 20cm and weighed 4kg.

“Ksyusha’s pregnancy was confirmed in November 2009. We monitored her health by conducting regular medical assessments throughout the whole [12 month] gestation period to ensure that everything was normal,” said Alexander Zanin, Head Marine Mammal Specialist, Dubai Dolphinarium.

This is the first calf for Ksyusha, one of the five bottlenose dolphins at the 5,000 square-metre Dolphinarium. The baby’s father, Senya, is 24 years old. The calf is expected to appear in public next summer.

The Dolphinarium is planning to name the calf using input from the public in early December.