Dolphin Calf Birth Celebrated at The Mirage in Las Vegas
A healthy bottlenose dolphin calf is making a splash at The Mirage, to the delight of guests and staff alike. The energetic female calf was born at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat on August 11 at 10:50 p.m. to first-time mother Sofi. Both mother and calf are doing well.
She has quickly taken to her surroundings, is nursing well and bonding with her mother as she closely follows mom around the habitat. Sofi has taken to motherhood with a zest and is proving to be a fin-tastic mom.
“The new calf is a welcome addition our family and will serve as an adorable educational ambassador,” said David Blasko, Director of Animal Care at The Mirage. “We invite guests to see the calf and discover how our conservation efforts today will help preserve these beautiful animals in the wild for future generations to enjoy.”
As dolphin calves remain very delicate through their first year of life, the Animal Care staff continually monitor the curious calf as she tests her independence and explores her new world. There are several milestones to pass in the coming days and weeks, but the team remains cautiously optimistic that they have a healthy new addition to their aquatic family.
Sofi and her calf are in the Birthing and Research pool which is open to public viewing during the facility’s operational hours. Alongside the new mother and calf are Duchess, Huf N Puf, Bella and Coco, who celebrated her first birthday on July 17. The father of the new calf is Kenobi, a 19-year-old that resides at the Georgia Aquarium.
Plans for naming the baby calf will be announced at a later date.
Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat has earned Humane Conservation certification from American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare and well-being. The Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage also is accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, 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.
Committed to educating guests about the environment, the Sustainability Discovery Center at The Mirage provides information on plastic pollution, marine debris, water facts and how our daily decisions can greatly impact the world’s oceans and animal habitats. Additionally, through Trainer for a Day and VIP Tour experiences, guests can acquire more in-depth knowledge about dolphin health and behavior, as well as the Dolphin Habitat’s research projects that aid in the survival of bottlenose dolphins in the wild.
Children take special delight in visiting the dolphins and new calves. As part of a continuing arrangement with the Clark County School District, The Mirage welcomes thousands of young students each year to Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat during school field trips, at no charge, to view the animals up close.
For admission prices, group reservations and hours of operation, call (702) 791-7188 or visit mirage.com.