If you have always wondered how long a Dolphin pregnancy lasts, we, like you, love to discover new facts and information about the fascinating world of these beautiful Marine Mammals. And in this new blog, we tell you the most surprising facts about Dolphin pregnancy.
What is a Dolphin Pegnancy Like, and How Long Does It Last?
Dolphins are amazing Marine Mammals from whom we learn incredible things every day. On this occasion, Jorge Ortiz, the Veterinary Doctor in charge of our Habitat in Puerto Vallarta, shares his experience with us and tells us what a Dolphin pregnancy is like and how long it lasts.
Jorge tells us that he has worked with pregnant Dolphins and calves for eight years and that it is a magical experience. According to him, a Dolphin pregnancy lasts 12 months, and they only have one calf per birth.
What Care Do Pregnant Females Receive at Dolphin Discovery?
At Dolphin Discovery, our Dolphins receive continuous monitoring, but in the particular case of pregnant females, our Specialists and Veterinarians check the health status of the mother and the calf daily. Ultrasounds are performed every 15 days to see the characteristics of the development and state of the offspring.
We have state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment, which is wireless and allows us to make a more precise follow-up.
One month before delivery, a date calculated through analysis and routine ultrasound examinations, the mother is transferred to the maternity area, where the delivery takes place, and remains in this place with her calf until weaning.
How is The Birth of The Dolphin?
In the final phase of a Dolphin pregnancy, as the delivery approaches, the females present contractions; if it is the case of a first-time female, she may be restless. The increased intensity and frequency of contractions indicate that labor is approaching; some females stop eating a few hours before.
Jorge told us that dolphins are usually born from the tail, but there are cases in which they are born from the head. The pups are born knowing how to swim immediately, and with the mother’s guidance, they come to the surface to breathe for the first time. Almost 20 hours after delivery, the first feeding can occur.
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Fun Facts About Dolphins
In addition to telling us how long a Dolphin pregnancy lasts, Jorge told us other curious facts about Dolphins; for example, females have two mammary glands, each located cranially and laterally from the genital area Dolphin pups have small vibrissae, which are a kind of stiff hair that help them locate the mammary glands; once the mother’s feeding period ends, these vibrissae disappear.
To know the sex of the Dolphins, it must be observed if the genital slit is a continuous line, clearly separated from the anus, it is a male, and if the genital slit has two small lateral slits and they are close to the anus, it is a female.
What can I Learn by Swimming with Dolphins?
Dolphins are very friendly and intelligent beings from whom we can learn a lot, and swimming with Dolphins is something that you have to experience once in a lifetime.
In addition to learning how long a Dolphin pregnancy lasts, when you visit one of our Habitats, our Marine Mammal Specialists will tell you very interesting facts about the anatomy, diet, and behaviors of these beautiful animals.
Prepare for your next visit. We have 19 Habitats worldwide where you will live the Experience of your Life.