The Dolphin Quest family grew early yesterday morning with the birth of a new calf at the Dockyard facility.

According to a spokeswoman, 25-year-old dolphin Bailey gave birth to “a healthy calf” at 2.11am. The calf is Bailey’s third at Dolphin Quest, following Ely in 2003 and Cavello in 2010.

Dolphin Quest vice-president of Animals Michelle Campbell said: “Bailey had a very mellow birth that started at 1.22am when the calf’s tail fluke was visible, and it lasted just under an hour.”

The spokeswoman said that “the first days and weeks of a dolphin’s life were extremely important and as a result Dolphin Quest has worked hard to advance neonatal care for newborn calves”.

“Trainers at Dolphin Quest will monitor Bailey and her new calf around the clock to be on hand should any assistance be required,” she added. “They will also record vital information about the youngster as they observe underwater nursing sessions, calf respirations, vocalisation between the mother and calf, and any other behaviours.

“Daily underwater photographs are acquired and sent electronically with the latest data to Dolphin Quest veterinarians. This high level of care continues for several months.”

She said that several dolphins had been born at the facility since it started, indicating that their social, physiological and habitat needs are being met.

Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins like Bailey typically reach sexual maturity at between nine to 13 years of age, and can give birth to a calf every two to six years.