Friday, November 5, 2010

DRC Welcomes New Baby!

Look at the sweet face of Tursi's new calf!

The entire Dolphin Research Center family is delighted to announce the arrival of Tursi's baby on the evening of Friday, November 5th at 6:06 p.m. The little one is swimming strong around the lagoon with its beautiful mom.

For a few days, Tursi's behavior indicated that her time was drawing closer. Earlier today, she refused her fish meals and only ate gelatin treats that we offered. A member of the Animal Care and Training staff monitored her throughout the day. As time progressed, she hunched more frequently and exhibited contraction behavior.

At 5:16 p.m., the baby's tail flukes appeared and from that point on, the delivery quickly proceeded. Less than an hour later, after a good, long dive, up popped Tursi with the calf for a first breath!

As you know, Tursi is a very experienced, super, mom. From the moment she gave birth, she expertly steered her little one safely around the lagoon. The calf quickly caught on to the chin-slap breathing action that's common to all newborn dolphins. In order to make sure that the blowhole clears the surface, the baby brings its entire head up, so it's chin naturally slaps on the water on the way down.

Before another hour passed, Tursi had already cruised by the dock and accepted some juicy herring from the trainers. She'll take in lots of calories to produce rich milk for the newborn.

We won't know for some time whether the calf is a boy or a girl. Whatever its gender, the baby has a lot of ties in the DRC family. Its half-siblings are brothers Talon and Pax and sister Gypsi on Tursi's side. Kibby is the proud father, which means that Pandora and Delta are also half-siblings.

Welcome to the family, little one. Congratulations, Tursi and Kibby.

13 comments:

Peter Clark said...

Yay Tursi baby!!

mn_me said...

Congrats on the new arrival! Hope all continues to well for mom and calf!

Ariel said...

oh my god!!!! how adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! congrats tursi!

Liah said...

I am so happy for DRC and its new baby. Congrats Tursi and Kibby!

I know the baby's gender is undetermined, but I can't take in this news with out coming up with name ideas.

For a boy I suggest Turby (Tursi + Kibby) or Ozzie.
For a girl, Darcy or Seara. I suggest Darcy, because not only does it end with the "ee" sound at the end of Tursi and Kibby's name, but three out of the five letters (in order) are DRC. DaRCy. Seara, in Romanian, is "evening." The baby was born at 6:06, in the evening so I see this as a fitting name too.

I'm so happy that DRC has been blessed with another gorgeous baby.
-Liah

Unknown said...

Congratulations Tursi on your new arrival. So exciting. Can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks.

The John Family Bristol England

Krysten Belanger said...

That is so awesome! The new member is adorable! I am glad both mom and calf are doing well! -Krysten

Anonymous said...

Congrats DRC Familiy! We as fans are extremely happy for the news and wishes to bless Tursi and Kibby! Will we get to suggest names for this baby once the gender is confirmed like how Luna was named?

Congrats guys!
Calusa,and Merina, are also going to give birth this month and Diana is going to soon as well!!

The DRC Family said...

Thanks for the good wishes, everyone. Any name suggestions that are left here will be compiled and submitted for consideration!

faith L. said...

So cute! I would like to make a suggestions for the baby =)

GIRL
-"Tallulah" meaning 'leaping waters' in native American b/c it's a unique personality that dolphins inhabit
-"Melody" b/c dolphins create lots of sounds naturally in the sea
-"Alison" meaning 'sweet' in german b/c she is very sweet

BOY
-"Koa" meaning 'brave, bold, fearless' in hawaiian
-"Tiby" combination of mom Tursi & dad Kibby

Annah B. said...

WOOHOO WHOPPER! I love you! Of course here are some possible names:

~Vivvy
~Nixie
~Rio

LOVE confetti! I love you DRC!

-Annah

SparkleAndShine said...

Awww! Congrats Tursi and Kibby!

I thought of the CUTEST name for their baby! Tubby! For Tursi + Kibby! I think its adorable :)

Ariel said...

Congrats Tursi and Kibby!!!!!!!!!!

I have a perfect name: Whopper!

faith L. said...

I still have a few naming suggestions lol

For a girl:
Isabella-beautiful in italian
nickname Bella, Isabel, Bells

For a boy:
Nico- Victory in Greek