Abstract

One of the main challenges of managing cetacean populations is guaranteeing sustainability through reproduction. With frequently reported high mortality rates, the survival of calves over one year of age has been identified as one of the critical points for the success of a reproduction program. Many efforts have been made to collect biological data to enhance reproductive success and that data has been responsible for major improvements to husbandry programs with direct impact on survival rates of neonates and calves. A hands-on approach is pointed as essential when dealing with neonates and calves since time is essential in determining the success or not of an intervention.

Atlantis the Palm, Dolphin Bay cares for a collection of Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) since 2007.

Calf body weight, length, girth and solid food intake during their first year of life will be presented together with two challenging cases of low weight gain and the two different approaches chosen to correct it, both with success.

* Presenting author