Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz has welcomed a new female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), born following a successful natural delivery. The newborn remains alongside her mother, Luna, under the watchful eye of the Animal Embassy team of caregivers and veterinarians, who ensure her well-being from the very beginning.
This birth adds to the more than 10 recent records of births across various species over the past three months at Loro Parque, marking a particularly active phase for reproduction.
Significance of Dolphin Breeding
“We are witnessing life flourishing in our animal embassy, which brings us immense joy and highlights the excellent work of our professionals,” says Wolfgang Kiessling, president of the Loro Parque Group.
“Breeding in zoos is an essential tool for the conservation of threatened species. While the bottlenose dolphin is not globally threatened, the scientific knowledge gained—regarding reproductive biology, welfare, veterinary care, and maternal behaviours—is crucial and will be key in saving other dolphin species that are already critically endangered,” explains Javier Almunia, director of the Loro Parque Foundation.
Care for Mother and Calf
The team at the park’s dolphinarium has prepared its spacious medical pool, the second largest of its kind in the facility, allowing mother and calf to move about freely. In this space, the newborn and her mother exhibit natural behaviors, swimming and feeding in perfect synchronisation.
Conservation Status of the Bottlenose Dolphin
Although the conservation status of the bottlenose dolphin in the wild is classified as “least concern”, the species faces various threats due to human activity, such as accidental captures in fishing gear or the decline of prey due to overfishing. Each year, over 300,000 cetaceans become entangled and perish in gillnets and other harmful equipment.
“Breeding in zoos also positively impacts animal welfare: it allows them to engage in basic natural behaviours of mammals, such as gestation, parturition, lactation, and maternal care. Additionally, the presence of calves enriches the group: their playfulness and curiosity foster more positive interactions and strengthen social structure,” concluded Almunia.
