“Our staff builds deep relationships with the animals and the loss of this calf has hit everyone very hard, especially those who have nurtured and cared for mother and calf for the past three weeks,” said Coral World General Curator Lee Kellar. “We truly appreciate the community's support during this difficult time."

According to Kristine Tartaglio, assistant curator of marine mammals, Ping and the male calf were being monitored by staff 24/7 since Ping went into labor. “The calf was nursing well according to the data we were collecting and was visibly filling out. His death was a shock to us all. He simply did not resurface while swimming. Ping is doing well, and we will continue to observe her closely,” she said.

Coral World's consulting veterinarian, Dr. Natalie Noll, DVM, who has years of experience with marine mammals, particularly dolphins, said: “Unfortunately calf mortality is not uncommon in the first few weeks. A complete necropsy has been performed and tissue samples will be sent out for analysis and histopathology to help determine a possible cause of death.”

Results are expected to take several weeks, the company said.

Coral World General Manager Trudie Prior stated, “We are proud of the dedication and expert care that our team gave the calf. While the calf’s life was sadly short, we hope there may be some information from this loss that can benefit dolphins in the marine mammal community and in the wild."