Featured Image Credit:Jeff Rotman/NPL
By Sarah Sharkey
Five baby dolphins have arrived in Koombana Bay in southwestern Australia over the past several weeks. New calves are always exciting, especially for this population that had a lower than expected calf recruitment rate over the last couple of years.
All of the new calves appear to be happy, healthy and enjoying spending recovery time with their moms. The young dolphins are about 60 pounds and only the size of your arm. The adorable little ones stand out from their mothers because they have a wrinkly skin and awkward approach to swimming.
Image Credit: Pedro Narra/NPL
The newest wave of babies is a welcomed turn from the depressing start to the calving season. At the beginning of the season, two mothers lost their young calves within days of birth. It is hoped that these new babies do not suffer the same fate. Unfortunately, the new calves have a lot to overcome if they want to survive. Between the regular realities of surviving in the ocean and the added pressures of human disturbance, these young ones will have to adapt quickly to survive.
If you see a wild baby dolphin, please give them as much space as possible. You never know what actions will cause harm to their delicate young bodies.
Learn more from our source here.