Just got some very, very sad news from the Aquarium. The little dolphin that we wrote about last week didn't make it. Here's the release:
The National Aquarium is deeply saddened to share that its 11-day old calf died early yesterday morning.
Born Wednesday, March 10 at approximately 9 p.m., the female calf was cared for and nursed by both her mother Jade and another experienced mother named Shiloh. At birth the calf was approximately 30 lbs and 2-3 feet long.
The cause of death is unknown at this time. A necropsy – an animal autopsy – was performed at Johns Hopkins Comparative Pathology Lab by National Aquarium veterinarians and Johns Hopkins staff. Histology and cultures were sent to a lab for evaluation and results are expected in 1-2 weeks. With any dolphin birth, marine mammal experts are cautiously optimistic about success. Even with a successful birth and experienced maternal care, some 33% of calves do not survive their first year of life either in ocean or aquarium settings.
“We knew the high risk that this little dolphin calf might not make it, and we are all saddened by the sudden loss,” said Dr. Brent Whitaker, deputy executive director for biological programs at the National Aquarium. “We haven’t received lab results yet but infection is the likeliest cause based on initial testing, the age of the calf and the speed of its decline. However, without supporting cultures and histology we can’t say this for certain yet or rule out other factors such as genetic abnormality.”
Trainers and volunteers began 24-hour observations of the calf's mother in February, noting progress of the pregnancy and milestones in labor and delivery. Following the birth, trainers and volunteers continued round-the-clock observations to record information about the calf including respiration rates, nursing frequency, and other milestones. Mother Jade received exhaustive prenatal care in the weeks prior to delivery including periodic ultrasounds, daily vitamin supplementation and diet monitoring, blood assessments, and consistent behavioral and visual observations.
Jade continues to be in robust health, and all the dolphins are exhibiting normal behaviors. This is Jade's second calf; her first, Foster, will turn three in September.
Expressions of condolence can be sent to dolphins@aqua.org.