The Mirage Announces Second Dolphin Birth This Year
The newest addition to The Mirage’s family of bottlenose dolphins is a healthy male calf born Saturday, Aug. 20 to Huf n Puf, who was born at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat in March 2000. The birth of this calf marks the second time within seven weeks that a dolphin has given birth at the facility.
Duchess, matriarch of the dolphin family and Huf n Puf’s mother, gave birth to a male on July 3 at the Dolphin Habitat. The energetic calf named K2 can be seen playing with his new “pool mate.”
“We’re delighted to welcome a second healthy calf to our family and invite guests to view not one, but two calves as they learn about how our conservation efforts today will help preserve these beautiful animals in the wild for future generations to enjoy,” said David Blasko, director of Animal Care at The Mirage. “The Dolphin Habitat staff takes incredible pride in our continuing efforts to expand the bottlenose gene pool while teaching the world about these animals’ remarkable capabilities.”
Huf n Puf and her calf remain in the Birthing and Research pool which is open to public viewing during regular operational hours of the Dolphin Habitat. Alongside the new mother and calf are Duchess, K2 and Huf n Puf’s daughter, Bella, who was born Sept. 6, 2008. The calf’s father, Lightning, is located in an adjacent pool.
Dolphin calves remain very delicate throughout their entire first year of life and the Animal Care staff will continue to monitor their development as they bond with their mothers, nursing and testing their independence.
Plans for naming the new calf will be announced at a later date.
The Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage is accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA), an international association dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study and wildlife presentations.
For admission prices, group reservations and hours of operation for Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage, call (702) 791-7188 or visit www.mirage.com.
Andrea Leal, aka Las Vegas Mama, blogs about the joys and indignities of motherhood at www.lasvegasmama.blogspot.com.