Dolphin Calf Makes Splash at The Mirage in Las Vegas
Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage welcomed a bouncing baby dolphin this month. Born to first-time mother Bella at 6:44 p.m. on August 16, this new arrival marks the fourth generation of dolphins represented at the habitat.
The proud mother and doting Animal Care team watched as the female calf swam unassisted to the water’s surface for her first breath immediately after delivery. Bella quickly proved herself to be a natural mom, nursing her baby and helping her to explore her new world.
Dolphin Calf Makes Splash at The Mirage in Las Vegas
“This newest addition reflects our ardent commitment to the educational work we do at the Dolphin Habitat to help preserve dolphins in the wild,” said David Blasko, Director of Animal Care at The Mirage. “She will serve an important role as an educational ambassador, and we welcome guests to come meet her and learn about these magnificent creatures.”
The Animal Care staff is taking great care to monitor Bella’s baby as she works toward important growth milestones in the coming days and weeks. The first year of a dolphin calf’s life can be delicate, but the team remains cautiously optimistic that they have a healthy new addition to their aquatic family.
Bella 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 Bella’s grandmother, Duchess; mother, Huf N Puf, and Huf N Puf’s daughter, Coco; and Sofi and Sofi’s daughter, Karli, who celebrated her first birthday on August 11. The father of the new calf is Razzle, a 30-year-old that currently resides at Sea World San Diego.
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 Dolphin Trainer 101 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.