Abstract
AbstractSix adult Commerson's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) have been housed at Sea World, San Diego, since 1983. Details of their husbandry at Sea World are briefly presented. Pregnancy was determined in one of the females by means of radioimmunoassay, following observations of copulation. Food consumption of the pregnant female decreased beginning 5 days prior to parturition and ceased entirely 6 hours prior to delivery. A single male calf, 55–65 cm in length and weighing 4.5–5.5 kg, was delivered after 35 minutes of labor. Details of the delivery, calf's appearance, suckling behavior, and early respiratory pattern are presented. Similarities between the birth of the Commerson's dolphin calf and previous births of bottlenosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) calves are discussed. The successful propagation of new species, such as Commerson's dolphins, permits documentation of the event with greater detail and accuracy than is possible in the wild. Details of growth and reproduction thus gained may provide information applicable to the natural history and proper management of the species in question.
Published Version
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