A new addition is expected at Dolphin Quest this summer.

Bailey, a nine-year-old dolphin is pregnant, announced marine mammal veterinarian Dr. Jay Sweeney.

This is the first pregnancy for Bailey, who was described as a gentle, petite dolphin with large, round eyes.

The survival rates for first-time dolphin births in the wild are less than 50 percent, Dolphin Quest spokesperson Michelle Hammond said.

And she said that due to Bailey's petite size and the fact that this was her first pregnancy increased the risk of future complications.

Last fall the South Shore attraction was struck by double tragedy when Cirrus miscarried her calf and the facility's oldest inhabitant, Riddells, died due to complications relating to her advanced age and pregnancy.

Ms Hammond said that Dolphin Quest hoped to increase Bailey's odds with advanced prenatal care technology and close monitoring during all the stages of her pregnancy.

The habitat at the Southampton Princess is one of the largest and most natural settings for dolphins in the world, measuring over three acres in surface area.

It is home to four female and two male dolphins ranging in age from five to 33 years.

PRENATAL CARE -- Dolphin Quest's nine-year-old dolphin, Bailey, recently underwent an ultrasound examination by Dr. Rae Stone (centre) and her assistants. Bailey will be closely monitored throughout the progress of her first pregnancy.