Shedd saddened by loss of calf
We are deeply saddened to announce that our Pacific white-sided dolphin calf died late yesterday afternoon. Our marine mammals and veterinary teams did everything humanly possible to help the calf thrive. But nature took a different course.
Now we are focusing on the health and care of Tique, who put a lot of energy into mothering her calf.
From the moment the female calf was born on June 3, our trainers and vets worked tirelessly around the clock to give her and mom the best care. When the calf didn’t start nursing her first day, we made the decision to step in and begin regular feedings with Tique’s milk. We hoped that precautionary measure would keep her going strong until she got the hang of nursing. But this essential milestone in her life took longer than expected to achieve.
Our veterinarians and pathologists conducted a full necropsy last night but found nothing conclusive. They will do additional work, but, as is often the case, we may never really know the cause of death.
Still, through this short life we’ve added to what we know about Pacific white-sided dolphins. With only 20 of these dolphins in North American aquariums, this birth was a rare opportunity to advance our knowledge of the species’ husbandry, using ultrasound images to track fetal development, 24-hour observations to study the interactions between mom and calf, and new methods in dolphin neonatal care to lend help when it’s needed. With this experience over the last week, we are better prepared for success in the future. We will also share this important information with our marine mammals colleagues and with the international scientific community.
This is a difficult loss for the Shedd family. But in joy or in grief, we remain proud of our animals, our people and our husbandry program.
Posted by Karen Furnweger, web editor
How sad that pretty little dolphin didn't make it, she was such a cutie, I feel bad for the Mama Dolphin too and the people who cared for her, it is so hard to lose someone or an animal/mammal/pet, because there is a strong bond from beginning to end, so sorry to hear about your loss. God Bless Tique and watch over her. Diane Weissmann
Posted by: Diane weissmann | June 10, 2011 at 03:24 PM
So very sad to hear this and wishing all the best to the Shedd staff who worked so hard to save the baby.
Posted by: Kathy | June 10, 2011 at 03:27 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with Tique and your training family. So sorry bout the little girl.
Posted by: Rose | June 10, 2011 at 04:16 PM
I volunteered at the Shedd many years ago. I know how hard everyone works at keeping all the animails happy and safe. I know in my heart Ken and his crew did everything they could to save this calf. Thank you for all that you do. So very sorry.
Kristin Jacobsma
Posted by: Kristin Jacobsma | June 10, 2011 at 04:32 PM
Why on earth do you want to keep dolphins in captivity?
They belong in the ocean living free - not in prison in a concrete tank.
Free the dolphins! Shame on you!
We don't keep dolphins captive in the UK. Public opinion won't allow it.
Posted by: Margaret morton | June 10, 2011 at 06:42 PM
My prayers go out for all trainers at the shedd so they can help tique thru the loss of her baby.I know the trainers go thru alot.So very sad .
Posted by: jUDY HESTER | June 10, 2011 at 06:46 PM
Very sad news :(. RIP little lady!
Posted by: Mari_kona | June 11, 2011 at 02:12 AM
How very sad! So sorry for your staff and for all of us who have missed the chance to see her grow up. Many, many thanks for all of the work that you do. How is Tique handling the loss?
Posted by: Sunny otake | June 11, 2011 at 05:39 AM
I am so sorry about the loss of your baby dolphin. She was adorable. I know how hard everyone worked to save the baby and take care of Tique. The staff works hard to take care of all the animals and they are treated like royalty which they are. They are all special and the staff are special also. God bless all!
Posted by: Janet Freimuth | June 11, 2011 at 08:49 AM
I am so sorry and I hope you guys are able to find out the cause to be prepared for next time... she was a sweetie pie and I can only imagine what everyone is going through but at least she had a beautiful life whether short or long you guys did your best! God Bless!
Posted by: Elizabeth castillo | June 11, 2011 at 03:19 PM
People this is simpily WRONG no animal should have to die in captivity. Im sorry for the loss of Tiques calf but im glad she died peacefully. Now the calf wont have to live a life of preforming for a crowd of people doing these DUMB dolphin tricks.
Posted by: Andrea | June 11, 2011 at 04:21 PM
My heart goes out to Tique, and everyone who work so hard to care for them.
Posted by: Doris Rosario | June 13, 2011 at 12:33 PM
My husband told me about the baby dolphins death just last night. I was out of town for the weekend. I was very saddened when he told me. I was looking forward to seeing her when she was released for public viewing. I am sure all the caretakers are grieving and so is Tique. Please give momma some extra attention. Very sad.
Posted by: Susie p | June 13, 2011 at 02:48 PM
Heartbreaking. But the ways of nature are often harsh. My thoughts are with the Shedd staff on this sad occasion.
Posted by: Michaelene Brown | June 14, 2011 at 11:49 AM
I'm so sorry about the calf. I hope Tique will be alright.
I'm sorry for your loss
Posted by: madeline | June 18, 2011 at 10:35 PM
So sorry to hear of the terrible loss. My heart goes out to everyone on the team and especially mommy!
Posted by: Silvia | June 19, 2011 at 08:45 AM
Have you seen how dolphins swim in the ocean? That's how they are supposed to live.
Posted by: P | June 19, 2011 at 10:59 PM