Baby beluga whale and baby Pacific white-sided
dolphin are the latest in a series of births at the marine life
park.
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SAN
ANTONIO, July 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- It's a
'baby boom' at SeaWorld San Antonio as the park celebrates the
arrival of two cetacean calves, a Pacific white-sided dolphin and a
beluga whale. Both births occurred within two days of each other at
the Beluga Whale and Dolphin Stadium under the watchful eyes of
animal care specialists and the park's veterinary
team. Additionally, the park recently welcomed a California sea lion, a harbor seal, and a
critically endangered radiated tortoise.
"We are excited to welcome two new additions to our whale and
dolphin pod," said Katie Kolodziej,
Curator of Zoological Operation at SeaWorld San Antonio. "Based on
early observations, we are cautiously optimistic that both the
calves and the mothers are on the path to reach normal milestones.
Our team of animal care specialists will observe the calves and
mothers around the clock for the next several weeks."
Both mothers, Piquet, a 36-year-old Pacific white-sided dolphin,
and Luna, a 23-year-old beluga whale, are experienced mothers and
have previously given birth and raised multiple calves each. After
approximately 50 minutes of labor, Piquet gave birth to a female
calf weighing roughly 20 pounds and measuring 20 inches long.
Luna's calf, a male weighing approximately 130 pounds and four feet
long, was born after two and half hours of labor. Both calves were
born tail first, the typical position for whales and dolphins
during parturition. The calves will swim closely alongside their
mothers often gliding in their slip stream for several weeks to
conserve energy. Both calves will soon be introduced to the
existing pod of whales and dolphins at the facility that now that
includes ten beluga whales and eight Pacific white-sided
dolphins.
In the coming weeks and months, zoo officials will use this
unique opportunity to learn more about each of the species. Animals
born under human care offer a unique opportunity to gather
information about the species. For over 20 years, SeaWorld has
partnered with St. Mary's University in San
Antonio to conduct observational research on several species
of animals at the park including Pacific white-sided dolphins and
beluga whales. Mother and calf interactions, growth rates, nursing
patterns and rates, emergence of independent behavior, and social
bonding can all be monitored and provide valuable data that can be
shared with other members of the zoological community, allowing for
additional insights on these fascinating species. Information
gleaned from these births would be virtually impossible to obtain
from studying animals in the wild. Furthermore, studying animals
born under human care can contribute to successful rescue and
rehabilitation of animals in distress in the wild.
"We have worked with SeaWorld for two decades conducting
observational research on calves and their development," said Dr.
Heather Hill Professor of Psychology at St.
Mary's University in San Antonio. "SeaWorld's willingness to
share successful births like these with us has given undergraduate
and graduate students the unparalleled opportunity to study calves,
their mothers, and their development. This privilege has led to
many scientific insights into the critical importance of young
offspring to a social grouping, including significant milestones in
play, insights into key social behaviors, and the positive impact
offspring have on the other animals."
The "baby boom" began earlier this summer with the arrival of a
harbor seal, a California sea
lion, and an endangered radiated tortoise. All newborns are showing
signs of good health and SeaWorld officials are cautiously
optimistic that all of the babies and mothers will continue to
thrive and integrate well.
About SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme
park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that
matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care
about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the
parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal
encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning
marine-life-themed rides and attractions, special events, and
exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has
advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks
through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is
Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance
of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos
and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue
organizations in the world, helping more than 41,000 animals to
date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation
established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to
advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park
proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation
commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San
Antonio, San Diego, and
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
(UAE). SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc.
(NYSE: PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information,
visit us at SeaWorld.com.
Media Contact:
Chuck.Cureau@seaworld.com
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SOURCE SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment