PANAMA CITY BEACH — Gulf World’s newest addition may not have survived birth outside of captivity.
With the help of park staff, however, the 2-month-old Atlantic bottlenose dolphin is now thriving.
Gulf World officials decided on the name “Angel” last week for the calf, which they say reflects her journey into the world as a blessing after surviving a risky birth.
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Angel was born Oct. 25 to mother, Maia, a 9-year-old dolphin also born at Gulf World. During labor, one of Angel’s flukes — or one side of her tail — became lodged in the birth canal, jeopardizing the health of both her mother and her.
“Normally, if this were to happen in the wild, both the mom and calf would have died,” said staff veterinarian Dr. Lydia Staggs, adding that staff interceded and was able to correct the issue. “Everything went smoothly once we interceded and helped her out. She was born perfectly healthy.”
Angel is Maia’s second calf born at Gulf World, and the park’s first birth via artificial insemination.
In preparing for the birth, Gulf World worked closely with members of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums along with other scientific organizations.
At 2½ months old, Angel already weighs more than 70 pounds, and Maia is eating about 22 pounds of fish per day to keep up with nursing the young calf.
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Gulf World staff described Angel as very curious and energetic.
“She’s very adventurous and very independent from mom,” Staggs said. “A lot of calves stick close to mom, but not her.”
With the addition of Angel, Gulf World is now home to 18 dolphins, both Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and rough- toothed dolphins.