Ping and its calf at Coral World Ocean Park. Photo Credit: CORAL WORLD OCEAN PARK.
Coral World Ocean Park announced Saturday that it welcomed a dolphin calf at 9:12pm on Friday, birthed by its mother named Ping, a 23-year-old Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.
“We are so proud of Ping and thrilled to welcome her calf to our Coral World family,” said Kristine Tartaglio, asst. curator of mammals and birds at Coral World. “Ping and calf are both doing well. We are hopeful that their good progress will continue but will remain vigilant in monitoring them both day and night to ensure they have everything they need.”
Trudie Prior, Coral World General Manager, stated, “This is an exciting moment for Coral World and our community. Our dolphins have been thriving in their ocean habitat in Water Bay and this birth is a product of their being healthy and doing what comes naturally.”
Dr. Natalie Noll, Coral World’s consulting marine mammal veterinarian, who visits the facility regularly, confirmed, “After their arrival in 2019, our aim was to get the dolphins acclimated to their new home, an ocean habitat that was very different from their previous home. This birth is an indication that they are doing extremely well.”
Coral World’s General Curator Lee Kellar noted, “There are still key milestones to meet that are important for the calf’s development and bonding with her mother and later her social group. We will be here to support Ping in every way we can as her calf learns and grows alongside her.”
According to the release, Ping was in labor through the day. She had assistance from the animal welfare specialist and veterinary team every step of the way. Both calf and Ping are getting some much-needed rest and time to bond.
Coral World’s other dolphins are all doing well, the company said. Ping has a support system in Noelani, a 11-year-old female who has been with her every step of the way. The other dolphins are separated from Ping, calf and Noelani and will be introduced to them when the time is right. For now, Ping and her calf need to rest and bond in relative quiet and privacy.
