SAN DIEGO (CNS) - A bottlenose dolphin calf was born at SeaWorld San Diego this afternoon and both mother and baby appeared to be in good health.
The about 40-pound calf, born to 13-year-old Sadie at 3:32 p.m. following a year-long gestation period, is the 80th successful bottlenose dolphin birth at SeaWorld San Diego, park officials said. Sadie's first calf, Kailani Koa, was born five years ago.
SeaWorld trainers and veterinarians said Sadie and her new calf were apparently healthy and were swimming and bonding.
However, park officials said the next few days would be critical. Trainers and veterinarians will monitor both dolphins around the clock, and document breathing and nursing.
Park officials said the calf's gender would be determined in the coming weeks.
