SeaWorld San Diego Welcomes Newly Born Bottlenose Dolphin Calf

The San Diego SeaWorld has a new addition, a 40 pound Pacific bottlenose dolphin that was born Tuesday.

The marine park is celebrating the arrival of the new bottlenose dolphin born to 30-year-old Kolohe on Tuesday at 12.30 p.m. after completing a year of gestation.

The San Diego marine park has been lucky with its dolphin program and this calf is the 79^th new addition, according to the Associated Press .

The calf along with its mum is currently not on exhibit as the duo needs time to bond with each other. The newborn and the mother are healthy, doing well, and are swimming together in the pool.

The calf, whose gender is still to be determined, will be constantly monitored by the staff of SeaWorld. They will watch the frequency of respiration and nursing as the first 30 days after birth are extremely critical for the baby dolphin.  Maximum infant dolphin deaths occur during this critical period. This issue is not just limited to the calves born in the wild but also those who are born under professional care and support.

After a year of gestation the dolphin gives birth with the help of another member of the pod that plays the role of a midwife. Dolphin calve are born with their tail being released first. This method of birthing prevents drowning.  They are nursed for up to 18 months.

SeaWorld explained that the milk of the mother has the consistency of a milkshake and a nursing session lasts for just 5-10 seconds. And gradually the calves' diet changes from milk to fish.

The bottlenose dolphins known for their elongated upper and lower jaw (snout) are not listed as endangered but their population is coming down as they are killed for their meat.

The marine park will disclose the gender of the calf in a week or so.