Dolphin Calves Born at Brookfield Zoo Continue to Do Well

Dolphin Calves Born at Brookfield Zoo 

Continue to Do Well

Tapeko and her 8-week-old male calf-1, 2, 3, 4, 5: Tapeko, a 31-year-old bottlenose dolphin, and her 8-week-old calf at Brookfield Zoo. The calf was born on October 16 at the zoo’s Seven Seas exhibit. Photos provided by the Chicago Zoological Society.

Brookfield, Ill.—Chicago Zoological Society animal care specialists continue to be cautiously optimistic with the progress of two male dolphin calves born at Brookfield Zoo: a 6-week-old dolphin calf that marine mammal staff has been handrearing around the clock since his birth and an 8-week-old calf, the fifth to be raised by Tapeko, his 31-year-old mother.

“We are pleased with the progress the handreared calf has made during his first six weeks of life,” said Jennifer Langan, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, associate veterinarian for the Society. “However, he still remains in guarded condition as he has several milestones he needs to achieve over the next few months before we would consider his situation less critical, including eating solid fish on his own, being introduced to the other members of the dolphin group, and finally becoming independent.”

The calf being handreared was born to Spree, 11, on October 28. Spree, an inexperienced mother, was not providing adequate maternal care. At that time, Chicago Zoological Society’s Animal Programs staff made the decision to intervene to provide necessary neonatal care.

 “The health and welfare of the animals in our care is our highest priority here at Brookfield Zoo,” said Bill Zeigler, senior vice president of animal collection and care for the Society. “Caring for this calf has been a zoo-wide effort involving the collaboration of several departments to provide him with around-the-clock observation, care, and support.”

The calf has been gaining weight and appears to be thriving due to the tremendous dedication of a team of staff from the Marine Mammal, Veterinary Services, Life Support, and Animal Nutrition Departments. Within the marine mammal community, there have been only a few documented cases of a newborn dolphin calf being handreared.

Since his birth, the unnamed calf has spent the majority of his time in a “nursery” pool set up specifically for a newborn dolphin’s needs. “A member of the marine mammal staff has been in the pool with the calf 24 hour a day providing him with the necessary support, including feeding him, conducting important behavioral observations, taking breath rates, and documenting his growth and weight measurements. All of this data assists us in making decisions regarding his constant care,” said Rita Stacey, marine mammal curator, who added “everyone in the zoo family is pulling for this little guy.”

Although the calf is receiving a dolphin milk formula, during his first week of life he received his mother’s milk, which contains vital nutrients and antibodies for his health and immunity. Because of the relationship between the dolphins and their trainers, Spree voluntarily allowed staff to collect milk from her.

Additionally, the 8-week-old calf born on October 16 to Tapeko continues to do very well. Marine mammal staff monitored him around the clock for the first 30 days of his life, which is the most critical period. During this time, staff used EthoTrak, an electronic behavior-monitoring program that was developed by a team of Chicago Zoological Society computer programmers and biologists and is now used by other zoos around the country. Marine mammal staff recorded nursing bouts, slipstreaming behavior, and other developmental behaviors. Observations will continue on the calf’s development as well as the social dynamics of the dolphin group. 

Mark Gonka, lead trainer for the Chicago Zoological Society assists Rita Stacey, marine mammal curator, as she measures the girth of a 6-week-old bottlenose dolphin. The calf, born on October 28 at Brookfield Zoo, is being handreared by staff because his mother was not providing adequate maternal care. 

The Seven Seas Underwater Viewing Gallery has reopened so that guests will be able to view Tapeko’s calf when he has access to the main pool. In addition to Spree and Tapeko and her calf, other members of the dolphin group that can be seen include Chinook, 30, the sire of both calves; Allie, 26; Noelani, 10; and Allison, 8. The dolphin calf being handreared will remain off exhibit so that staff can provide him with the best possible care. For updates and further information, visit www.CZS.org.

About the Chicago Zoological Society

The Society, a founding member of the Bottlenose Dolphin Breeding Consortium, is committed to breeding bottlenose dolphins cooperatively with the six other member institutions. The Consortium’s mission is to build and maintain a sustainable population of dolphins for member institutions, taking into account the animals’ social and biological needs while focusing on conservation impact and connecting animals with guests. The Chicago Zoological Society is also accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, which is an international association representing marine life parks, aquariums, zoos, research facilities, and professional organizations dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study, and wildlife presentations.

The Chicago Zoological Society is a leader in dolphin care and conservation and manages the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program in Florida, now in its 44^th year. This program, spearheaded by the Society’s Randall Wells, Ph.D., is the world’s longest-running study of a wild dolphin population. The program’s primary focus involves up to five generations of bottlenose dolphins residing year-round in Sarasota Bay, Florida, where the program originated in 1970. The program—which focuses on aspects including dolphins’ health, behavior, genetics, environmental change, and adverse interactions with humans—has gained an international reputation for providing high-quality information of importance to worldwide dolphin conservation efforts. The data collected are repeatedly used in scientific studies, as well as public policy decisions that can help protect marine animals. Through 2013, 30 doctoral dissertation projects and 30 master’s thesis projects have benefited from association with the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, through field research opportunities or access to samples, data, or guidance.

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Open every day of the year, the zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.

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HOST A HOLIDAY BENEFIT PERFORMANCE “The WICKED Night Before Christmas”

HOST A HOLIDAY BENEFIT PERFORMANCE

“The WICKED Night Before Christmas”

Sunday, December 8 at The Laugh Factory

Members of the National Touring Company of WICKED will host “THE WICKED NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,” a staged holiday performance at The Laugh Factory (3175 N. Broadway) Sunday, December 8, at 8:00pm.  The event will feature the members of the company of WICKED, and net proceeds will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Chicago House.  WICKED, Broadway’s biggest blockbuster, celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 30, the first performance of the eight-week Chicago engagement.  WICKED is currently playing the Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph) through Dec. 21, 2013.

“THE WICKED NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS” is part of an ongoing series of performances and appearances by the touring company to support charitable causes which advance WICKED’s theme of acceptance and illuminate the musical’s message that people should not be judged on first impressions.  The company believes that in these divisive times we must come together to support those in need throughout the country and around the world. In its eight years on the road, the company has raised over $2.5 million in donations for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and local AIDS service organizations all over the country.

A throwback to the holiday variety shows of yesteryear, the WICKED company comes together to celebrate the joy of the holidays.  Haul out the holly, spin the dreidel, harvest the fruit and celebrate the season in a way that only WICKED can.  Company members making special appearances in the event include:  Alison Luff (Elphaba), Jenn Gambatese (Glinda), Curt Hansen (Fiyero), as well as TV’s Kim Zimmer (Madame Morrible) and John Davidson (The Wizard).  The production also includes members of the ensemble, band, and touring staff.  “THE WICKED NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS” proves to be a once in a lifetime evening of magic and fun.  

In addition to the performance, there will be live and silent auctions including several opportunities to join the company backstage at the Oriental Theatre, and a chance to bid on a walk-on role in a performance of WICKED.  WICKED, Broadway’s biggest blockbuster is playing through December 21 at the Oriental Theatre.

ABOUT BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) is the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fund raising and grant making organization.  BC/EFA is the on-going, committed response from the American theater community to an urgent worldwide health crisis. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of this community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $150 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV, and other serious illnesses.  www.broadwaycares.org

ABOUT CHICAGO HOUSE
Chicago House and Social Service Agency serves individuals and families by providing housing, employment services, medical linkages, HIV prevention services, and other supportive services to those who are disenfranchised by HIV/AIDS, poverty, homelessness, and/or gender nonconformity.  All Chicago House services are provided without discrimination and are explicitly designed to guide people towards wholeness and self-sufficiency.

The first HIV/AIDS housing provider in the Midwest, Chicago House has continuously evolved its services to meet the changing needs of those who are living with HIV and AIDS.  Their programs guide more than 1,500 people to wholeness and self-sufficiency each year. But as the realities of HIV and AIDS change, one remains the same: Chicago House: There at the beginning: Here to meet the challenge.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE   
The  Oriental Theatre performance schedule for WICKED is as follows:
Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. (no performances on 11/28)
Fridays at 7:30 p.m. (additional matinee performances on 11/29 at 2 p.m.)
Saturdays at 2 & 8:00 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m.
Additional performance Monday 12/16 at 7:30 p.m.
Please note: Ticket prices and performance schedule are subject to change.

TICKET INFORMATION
General Admission to “THE WICKED NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS” is a $60 donation (includes 2 drinks).  A limited number of VIP tickets are available for a $125 donation and include priority seating as well as a 6:30pm pre-show reception with members of the company.  All proceeds from the evening benefit BC/EFA and Chicago House and admission donations are tax deductible. Tickets are available online at www.chicagohouse.org  or by phone (773) 248-5200 ext 303.  The evening is intended for mature audiences.  Must be 16 or older to attend; 21 or older to purchase alcoholic beverages.

Tickets for WICKED at the Oriental Theatre start at $40.  A select number of premium seats are also available for many performances. Tickets are available now for groups of 20 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com