Three Cheers for Dolphin Quest Bermuda

Courtesy of Dolphin Quest Bermuda

Dolphin Quest Bermuda, located in The Bermuda Maritime Museum at The Royal Naval Dockyard, continues to delight all those who venture into this stunning setting. The breathtaking view atop the ramparts, combined with a very tangible history, provides a unique backdrop and home to 11 extraordinary Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

It was "Three Cheers for Dolphin Quest Bermuda!" in the spring of 2007 with the arrival of calves to dolphins Cirrus, Bailey and Caliban. As with other births over the years, the Dolphin Quest Crew enthusiastically approached the process of selecting the perfect names for these calves. Members of the community were asked to submit their ideas with the understanding that the names should be related in some way to the island of Bermuda.

The first of the expecting mums to show signs of being in active labour was 33-year-old Cirrus. On the afternoon of May 23, the first calf, Luna, was born and subsequently named after the Bermuda moon gate. Luna was delivered rostrum (head) first, which, although is not unheard of, is rare. Luna was quick to learn the art of nursing, and with the richness or Cirrus' milk, Luna has quickly become a strong and vibrant calf who is curious about everything and everyone.

The second dolphin to give birth was 18-year-old Bailey. The arrival of Nea, born on the morning of June 3, was the fourth calf for Bailey. Nea, named after a 19th-century Bermuda-designed and built racing yacht, is identifiable for the very pink tinge to her belly — a trait that she shares with her mum and siblings.

Fourteen-year-old Caliban was the third and final mum to give birth. Calf Bermudiana was born on the morning of June 6. Bermudiana's name has great historical and biological significance. According to local lore, Sally Bassett, an elderly slave in Sandy's Parish, was accused of poisoning her master and was sentenced to be burned at the stake on June 6, 1730. After pleading her innocence, she declared that there would be a sign proving that she was not guilty. Sometime later, when her ashes were removed, a purple-blue Iris was seen to be growing in their midst. Today this national flower is known as "The Bermudiana."

All three dolphin births were the result of a groundbreaking dolphin reproduction study with artificial insemination. In 2006, Dolphin Quest Bermuda teamed up with researchers and reproductive specialists from Sea World, the Shedd Aquarium, the Brookfield Zoo and the U.S. Navy's dolphin programme. This collaborative international project investigated the use of artificial insemination on dolphins, using frozen semen collected from proven viable males with strong genetic representation to maximize genetic diversity. Dolphin Quest Bermuda was selected for the project because of the three experienced and successfully reproductive dolphin mothers that we have at The Bermuda Maritime Museum "Keep" facility.

The young calves are all showing unique personalities as they learn and discover within their environment through play with toys, exploring and interacting with the crew and other animal family members.

Dolphin Quest Bermuda encourages everyone to come down to The Bermuda Maritime Museum in Dockyard and view the three new additions, as well as the rest of the dolphin family. Open all year with the exception of Christmas Day, Dolphin Quest Bermuda has a number of interactive dolphin programs that allow guests the opportunity to meet the animals in a safe and natural environment. For more information, guests are encouraged to visit www.dolphinquest.com or call 234-4464.

Make your Bermuda trip even more memorable with dolphins! Dolphin Quest offers fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all. Book your adventure today!

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