Just four days after being welcomed into the world, Brookfield Zoo’s new baby bottlenose dolphin died Wednesday evening.
The male calf, born to 38-year-old dolphin Allie on Saturday morning, was the zoo’s first dolphin birth since 2014.
The zoo stated it was a “sudden loss” and is now waiting for autopsy results to determine the cause of death.
According to the statement, the dolphin was under continual observation when the zoo’s veterinarian teams and staff members witnessed a “rapid, unexpected change in the calf’s behavior.” Within minutes, the calf became unresponsive and died.
The male calf, who had not been named yet, appeared healthy and seemed to show positive development in its first few days until its abrupt death, according to a press release. Rita Stacey, the zoo’s vice president of programs and impact, said in a statement that the first few days after birth are a critical and vulnerable time for dolphin calves.
“This is a devastating loss for our Zoo community, especially the animal care and veterinary teams who dedicate their lives to the well-being of animals in our care,” Stacey said in a statement. “They provided exceptional, around-the-clock care to Allie and her calf.”
Stacey explained that a dolphin’s first year of life is a challenging time because the calves must learn and master several complex behaviors to survive. One in five calves born to first-time dolphin mothers do not survive, she said.
Stacey stated that the calf did meet the necessary milestones in its first days, including healthy levels of nursing and other activities, and Allie had been providing the correct maternal care. Zoo staff said Allie was immediately attentive to her calf and didn’t need extra assistance in tending to her newborn.
Animal care and veterinary staff are continuing to closely monitor Allie and the dolphin group at this time.
“We know our guests and supporters share this sadness with us,” Stacey said in the statement. “This calf’s birth brought hope and joy, and his sudden loss reminds us of the delicate balance of life.”