European dolphin gives birth at Hainan resort

A European bottlenose dolphin under foster care defied the odds by becoming pregnant after 11 years without conceiving in Europe, giving birth to a healthy calf in South China's Hainan province on Saturday.

The newborn calf is female and about 120 centimeters in length. Her mother, named Naya, is 18 years old.

Naya is a participant in the European Endangered Species Program animal exchange. Hainan Ocean Paradise Resort, the only Chinese member of both the EEP and the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums, established a partnership with Spain two years ago as part of a dolphin exchange program that has seen nine bottlenose dolphins transferred to China for specialized conservation efforts.

"This marks the inaugural successful EEP birth since the program's inception in China," said EEP dolphin coordinator Robert Richard Gojceta. "No doubt the caliber of the dolphin facility at Hainan Ocean Paradise Resort, coupled with exceptional and professional care, has been pivotal in achieving this milestone."

To ensure the success of the international breeding effort, the resort invited Stuart Paul Moore, former director of L' Aquarium de Barcelona and Parques Reunidos dolphin consultant, to serve as a consultant. Moore has been on site for over a month, utilizing his extensive experience and professional expertise to facilitate the smooth progress of the breeding efforts.

"It is evident that the dolphins are thriving and content in their new environment," Moore said. "The expansive facility, equipped with biological filtration systems and round-the-clock care, plays a crucial role in ensuring successful birthing processes."

You Yingjie, the director of the Dolphin Pavilion at the resort, highlighted its commitment to comprehensive conservation practices for dolphins. Marine animal veterinarians conduct regular health checkups, and pregnant dolphins identified through ultrasounds are transferred to specialized birthing areas for personalized care. During the six months leading up to birth, the dolphin is guided to become familiar with the birthing pool environment. The pregnant dolphin is paired up for companionship during pregnancy, and during the final month before birth, she is individually housed for care.

"We monitor their appetite, adjust food intake, and ensure round-the-clock care from conservationists, enriching their environment with toys — all aimed at safeguarding the well-being of the dolphins," he said.

Liu Xiaoou, the resort's chairman, said: "In addition to our outdoor pool area, with thousands of tons of water, we have our semi-indoor dolphin interactive medical platform and a daily conservation space with a 4,000-metric-ton water capacity. We also have a dolphin sanctuary specially designed for dolphins to seek shelter during typhoons and for breeding purposes."

Gojceta said Hainan Ocean Paradise Resort goes beyond mere entertainment, showcasing a strong dedication to conservation efforts.

"Undoubtedly, it emerges as a standout model for the region," he said. "Boasting a proficient rehabilitation center that specializes in the restoration of sea turtles, cetaceans and various species, the resort sets a high standard for integrating fun with education, scientific exploration, and marine ecosystem preservation," he said.

Gojceta said he believed that combining the expertise and efforts of both China and Europe can yield positive outcomes.

"The partnership between Hainan Ocean Paradise Resort and the diverse EEP programs is in its early stages, and we are keen on further developing it in the future," he said.

Liu said the resort also plans to breed seals and penguins.

"Since joining the EEP, we can engage in facilitating exceptional selection and exchanges with numerous marine facilities across Europe," he said. "This initiative dismantles barriers and lays the groundwork for animal populations to genuinely thrive through global collaborative efforts."

chenbowen@chinadaily.com.cn