On video, dolphin gives birth to calf in Hawaii

HONOLULU (AP) — A 12-year-old dolphin at a Hawaii resort has given birth to a female calf that seems to instantly recognize her mother in a video of the birth posted online. 

 

Video of last week's birth at Dolphin Quest Hawaii at the Hilton Waikoloa Village shows the baby dolphin's tail moments before she emerges from her mother. Once she is born, she shoots up to the water's surface to take her first breath. 

 

Julie Rocho-Levine is manager of marine animals for Dolphin Quest. She says officials will monitor the baby around the clock for now, as its first 30 days of life are its most critical in terms of survival. 

 

She says trainers will closely note when the baby nurses, among other things. 

 

Officials say it's the first calf for the mother, Keo.