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Press Releases
Minnesota Zoo Expecting Dolphin Calf “Allie” due in summer 2010 Apple Valley, MN – November 13, 2009: – The Minnesota Zoo’s Atlantic bottlenose dolphin “Allie” is expecting a calf in the summer of 2010. The pregnancy was confirmed during an ultrasound this morning. Allie, 22, arrived at the Minnesota Zoo in January 2008 and is on loan from the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. Father-to-be “Semo” has been at the Zoo since 1991, and at age 45, is thought to be one of the oldest male dolphins in human care. “We just completed the ultrasound and are excited that the calf is growing and has a strong heartbeat,” said Marine Mammal Supervisor Diane Fusco. “We are cautiously optimistic that everything will go smoothly.” Allie’s last calf was born deceased in March 2009 from complications during labor. Dolphin calves face a perilous first year: only 70% survive their first 30 days. As they do with all pregnancies, the Zoo’s marine mammal staff and veterinarians will carefully monitor the health of Allie and her unborn calf during the pregnancy. Besides Allie & Semo, the Minnesota Zoo is home to dolphins “April,” 42 and “Spree,” 7. The Zoo is also temporarily housing three dolphins from the Brookfield Zoo while their oceanarium is being renovated. The most familiar of the 37 species of dolphins, adult Atlantic bottlenose dolphins range in length from 8 to 12 feet and weigh between 400 and 600 pounds. Their prominent rostrums or beaks account for the name “bottlenose.” They inhabit warm and temperate seas worldwide and may also enter harbor bays, lagoons, estuaries and river mouths. The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
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