The seven day old, 40 pound bottlenose dolphin calf died Friday at the Brookfield zoo.
Zoo officials say the baby dolphin’s mother, Allison was an inexperienced caregiver and that they monitored her and her son around the clock.
They were monitoring the time the pair spent swimming together saying this is critical for the newborn to conserve energy.
A few days after his birth zoo officials intervened and attempted to provide supportive treatment for the calf.
Despite the efforts by the zoo officials, the animal died.
An autopsy has been scheduled.
The zoo staff is mourning the loss of the animal but say they are focused on the well-being of the dolphins they still have, five adult females, 21-year-old calves and a female calf that was born on December 16.
Photo via MyFoxAtlanta
