Brookfield Zoo Chicago is celebrating a joyful milestone after a bottlenose dolphin gave birth over the weekend — marking the first dolphin calf born at the zoo in a decade.
The birth took place in the zoo’s Seven Seas habitat, where animal care staff had been closely monitoring the expectant mother in the weeks leading up to the big moment. Both mother and calf are reported to be healthy and bonding well.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for our team and our guests,” said a spokesperson for the zoo. “A dolphin birth is always special, but having our first in ten years makes it even more meaningful.”
The calf’s gender has not yet been determined, and zoo officials say it will be several weeks before the baby is introduced to the public. For now, mother and calf will remain behind the scenes to ensure they have a quiet, stress-free environment.
Brookfield Zoo has invited the public to help choose the calf’s name once it’s ready to make its debut.