Baltimore. (April 19, 2004) – The National Aquarium in Baltimore is happy to announce that Nani, a 32-year old Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, gave birth this Saturday at 1:56 p.m. The calf is about three feet long, and the medical department estimates its weight to be about 30 pounds. Labor lasted approximately 56 minutes. More information will be forthcoming as available.
A calf’s first few weeks of life are precarious. The Aquarium has done everything it can to ensure the health of the mother and her calf. During her pregnancy, Nani received state-of-the-art prenatal care, including regular ultrasound examinations, from the Aquarium’s medical department, marine mammal staff and outside consultants. Staff and volunteers began monitoring Nani 24 hours a day on March 13. It is important to remember, however, that the survival of the calf ultimately depends on Nani, its mother.
One other Aquarium dolphin, Chesapeake, is pregnant. The calf is expected to arrive later in April.
Aquarium guests can visit the mother and calf via live-stream video from the nursery pool. They are also invited to enter the dolphins’ world of learning, interaction and activity during the Aquarium’s All New Dolphin Show, PLAY! The new show features calves born at the Aquarium three years ago. Tickets to the show are included with admission.
The National Aquarium in Baltimore, a non-profit organization, is Baltimore’s leading paid attraction, hosting more than 1.6 million visitors per year. The Aquarium’s mission is to connect people with aquatic life in order to create a better world for both. Its impact extends well beyond the walls through more than a dozen programs that serve the environment and the community.
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