Latest news with #bottlenoseDolphin
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
It's Jack the Flipper! Killer dolphin on the loose in British waters murders shark and baby dolphin
A killer dolphin is on the loose in British waters after it slayed one of its own kind - and then a shark. The bottlenose dolphin, which has been nicknamed Jack the Flipper, was caught on camera attacking a smooth-hound shark last week. Meanwhile, three months ago it was also seen killing a baby common dolphin by repeatedly tossing it out of the water. The killer dolphin is part of a pod that lives off New Quay, Cardigan Bay, near Aberystwyth, mid Wales. It was initially named Anakin - after the young Jedi knight in the Star Wars franchise -by dolphin watcher Sarah Michelle Wyer. 'I have not seen a dolphin throw a shark out in the eight years I have been watching them,' she told What's The Jam. 'One of the skippers I work with has seen them throw tope out of the water, which is another small member of the shark family. 'But when Anakin killed the young common dolphin, it was the first recorded instance of this behaviour happening in Cardigan Bay. 'It is unknown why this dolphin chose to do it - as it would have been of no threat. 'Bottlenose dolphins are highly intelligent creatures and are capable of many unusual behaviours - many not so pleasant. 'They are not 'friendly flipper' like many assume. This particular dolphin seems to have a very unusual personality. 'Dolphins are known to kill porpoises in a behaviour known as porpicide. But despite the name common dolphin, they aren't common around here. 'And we now think this could be because of the bottlenose dolphins.' Experts have been left baffled by the killer dolphin's behaviour. A spokesperson for Dolphin Spotting Boat trips, who Sarah works with, added: 'We were very surprised when one of our local dolphins, Anakin brought what we originally thought was a large salmon past the boat in its mouth and then threw the fish out the water. 'To our surprise it was not a salmon at all but a member of the shark family called a smooth hound. 'We aren't sure if there are many records of smooth hounds being part of a bottlenose dolphin's diet. Smooth hounds grow up to 4ft long. 'Bottlenose dolphins are opportunistic feeders and have a very wide ranging diet of a variety of species of fish, squid and crustaceans. 'We aren't 100 per cent sure whether Anakin ate the shark or whether him and his friends were simply playing with it as they do. 'Earlier this year, Anakin was also involved in a not-so-common incident where he played the main role in the demise of the young common dolphin. 'Anakin's dolphinality is a very unusual one to say the least.'
CBS News
12-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Bottlenose dolphin calf born at Brookfield Zoo Chicago dies days after birth, zoo says
The Brookfield Zoo Chicago's newly born bottlenose dolphin, the first to be born there since 2014, has died, the zoo announced on Thursday. The dolphin was born last Saturday morning to mother Allie, 38, who gave birth to the calf just before 12:30 a.m. A video captured the moment the male calf was born and took its first breath of air while being accompanied by its mother, and experienced dolphin mother, Tapeko. The zoo said the calf had appeared healthy and was "exhibiting positive, progressive indicators of development" until his sudden passing Wednesday evening, Dr. Rita Stacey, Brookfield Zoo Chicago's senior vice president of programs and impact, said it's a devastating loss for our zoo community. "We know our guests and supporters share this sadness with us," she said. "This calf's birth brought hope and joy, and his sudden loss reminds us of the delicate balance of life." Veterinarians at the zoo estimated the calf's weight to be between 33 and 37 pounds and 115-120 centimeters long. The zoo said it is awaiting complete necropsy, or animal autopsy, results to determine the cause of death.
The Independent
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Incredible moment bottlenose dolphin gives birth to calf captured on camera
The incredible moment a bottlenose dolphin gives birth to a calf has been captured on camera. Allie, a 38-year-old bottlenose dolphin gave birth the calf in the early hours on 7 June at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. The zoo's veterinarians estimate the calf is 33-37 pounds and 115-120 centimeters long. A zoon spokesman said: 'While these are very early days, our expert animal care and veterinary teams are monitoring Allie and her calf around the clock for developmental milestones and both appear healthy based on early observations.'
CBS News
07-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Video captures moment bottlenose dolphin calf born at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
The Brookfield Zoo welcomed its newest addition as a bottlenose dolphin calf was born overnight. According to the zoo, this is the first birth for the species, also known as Tursiops truncatus, since 2014. A video captured the moment when proud mother Allie, 38, gave birth to the calf just before 12:30 a.m. Saturday. She first showed signs of labor Friday morning as her body temperature dropped, indicating that her body was preparing itself for birth. At about 11 p.m., the calf's tail was seen. About an hour and 22 minutes later, the calf was born and kicked up to the water's surface for its first breath with Allie and her experienced dolphin mother, Tapeko, accompanying her. Tapeko accompanied Allie during the birth. Veterinarians at the zoo estimate the calf is between 33 and 37 pounds and 115-120 centimeters in length. Experts noted that no hands-on assistance was needed as Allie was immediately attentive to the calf. The zoo said its animal care and veterinary teams are monitoring Allie and the calf around the clock for developmental milestones, and that both appear to be healthy. Dr. Sathya Chinnadurai, Brookfield Zoo Chicago's senior vice president of animal health, welfare, and science, said the first 30 days are critical for the mom and calf. "We're closely monitoring behaviors and milestones to gauge the calf's progress, like its first breath of air, bonding with its mother, growth, and an increase in nursing efficiency," he said. According to the zoo, nearly one-third of marine mammals face the threat of extinction, and said it's at the forefront of global efforts to protect the species.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Warnings after dolphin sighting in Lyme Regis Harbous
The appearance of a solitary bottlenose dolphin in a Dorset harbour has led conservation experts to release animal has appeared in Lyme Regis Harbour and sparked the initiative Operation Seabird, after reports of people getting too Marine Management Organisation (MMO), Dorset Police and Dorset Wildlife Trust have joined forces to remind people dolphins, whales and porpoises are protected by guidance said while dolphin sightings had led to excitement among residents and visitors, they were urged to keep their distance. Jess Churchill-Bissett, head of marine conservation, said: "The arrival of a dolphin in a small coastal community like Lyme Regis can be a source of wonder and pride. "But it's vital to remember dolphins are vulnerable and unpredictable wild animals protected by law. "We all have a responsibility to respect their space, keep a safe distance, and understand how our actions can unintentionally cause harm or even constitute a criminal offence."Intentionally approaching, or recklessly disturbing a dolphin can result in up to six months in prison as well as an unlimited fine. 'Let the animals leave' Ms Churchill-Bissett added: "By giving these animals space, observing them from a distance and acting responsibly, we help ensure their health and survival, so they remain a part of our coast now and for generations to come."Guidance for someone who encounters a dolphin while on the water includes slowing down to a speed below six knots, staying at least 100m (328ft) away, not chasing or encircling the animal and never trying to swim with, touch or feed guidance adds: "Sometimes dolphins may choose to approach you, in this situation you should maintain a steady speed and direction and let the animals leave when they choose."Anyone who witnesses a dolphin being disturbed is asked to contact the MMO, which is hosting a talk on marine wildlife disturbance on Thursday between 17:00 and 19:00 BST in the Fishing College, The Cobb. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
