Tests results released Monday showed no specific cause for a stillborn dolphin calf at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
According to an Aquarium spokeswoman, Shiloh, a 29-year-old Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, gave birth to a stillborn calf early last week.
“Our trainers, veterinarians and volunteers have done all they can to provide the best environment and care for Shiloh, and it is disheartening for all involved to have a pregnancy end in this way,” said Sue Hunter, director of marine mammal training at the National Aquarium. “We are grateful for the support we’ve had from colleagues during this tough time.”
In a statement, the aquarium reported that “exhaustive prenatal care in the weeks prior included periodic ultrasounds, daily vitamin supplementation and diet monitoring, blood assessments, and consistent behavioral and visual observations. All tests and observations indicated that Shiloh was in robust health and all signs pointed to a successful pregnancy.”
Trainers and veterinarians have focused on Shiloh’s health and on managing the rest of the dolphin population. Trainers and animal care staff continued 24-hour observations of Shiloh. The veterinary staff conducted tests on the dolphin’s placenta and on the calf for insight into possible causes for the stillbirth and to rule out any latent health concerns. Examinations to date have not yielded obvious cause for the calf to be stillborn.
The Aquarium reported that Shiloh is in good spirits, eating on a normal schedule, and has not shown any signs of discomfort or distress. She arrived at the National Aquarium in 1990. Shiloh has given birth to three calves, including Chesapeake, born at the Aquarium in 1992. This was Shiloh’s first stillbirth. Both Shiloh and Chesapeake are experienced mothers. In fact, both are currently in the nursing pool assisting Jade, new mother to Foster.
Chesapeake is a 16-year-old dolphin born at the National Aquarium who is expected to give birth in later this month or in August. All recent prenatal tests conducted on the mother and calf have shown positive results. As with any birth, Aquarium veterinarians and animal care staff are cautiously optimistic about the outcome.
In both natural settings and in aquariums, calves have a high mortality rate. Approximately a third of all calves do not live to one year of age. Hunter said the loss is heartbreaking for those who work closely with these animals.
Expressions of condolence can be sent to Shiloh by clicking here.
