A dolphin has given birth at the age of 38, with the help of her best mate.
Bottlenose Allie delivered the calf early on Saturday morning (7 June) with the help of fellow dolphin mum Tapeko.
The incredible moment was captured in a video recorded by zoo staff, who were monitoring the bottlenose and cheering her on.
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As observers shouted “push, push, push” in the background, Allie could be seen swimming around the tank with 43-year-old Tapeko at her side for support.
The calf’s tail fin could even be spotted poking out below Allie’s own, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Suddenly, Allie flicked her tail, and the calf popped out, swimming straight to the surface for its first breath with the help of Tapeko.
Allie then came up to join them, and the mother-daughter duo continued to swim together.
The baby was born at Brookfield Zoo, Chicago, at 12:22am and veterinarians estimate the calf is 33-37 pounds and 115-120 centimetres long.
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The father of the calf will be confirmed by the Zoo’s experts in the coming months, after Allie and her baby get time to bond and acclimate to the rest of the dolphin group.
Dr Sathya Chinnadurai, Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s senior vice president of animal health, welfare and science, said: “The first 30 days are a critical time frame for Allie and her calf.
“We’re closely monitoring behaviours and milestones to gauge the calf’s progress.
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“Like its first breath of air, bonding with its mother, growth and an increase in nursing efficiency.”
Dr Mike Adkesson, Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s president and CEO, also said: “This dolphin birth is a momentous occasion for Brookfield Zoo Chicago and is our first dolphin calf in over a decade.
“Every birth is a remarkable learning opportunity, and the scientific information we gain benefits marine conservation efforts.
“The birth offers a moment to celebrate the incredible work and dedication of our team to ensure the health and well-being of the animals in our care.
“Our teams have been closely monitoring Allie and her calf’s health throughout the pregnancy with meticulous detail and care.”
It has been said that the mum and baby are doing well.
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