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Three Brookfield Zoo dolphins expecting

Posted May 21, 2013 12:29 pm

Associated Press

Three bottlenose dolphins from left, Spree, 10, Tapeko, 31 and Allie, 26, at the Brookfield Zoo. Officials at the zoo say all three dolphins are pregnant and due to give birth this summer and fall. Associated Press

Chicago Zoological Society officials say three Brookfield Zoo bottlenose dolphins are pregnant.

Officials said Monday that 26-year-old Allie, 31-year-old Tapeko and 10-year-old Spree are due to give birth this summer and fall.

Allie has had two previous calves and Tapeko, three. But first-time mother Spree will require extra care as her pregnancy will have greater risks, as with other mammals.

Officials say zoological society field scientists, veterinarians and husbandry managers work together to improve the well-being of dolphins at Brookfield Zoo and in the wild.

Society associate veterinarian Jennifer Langam says prenatal care for the dolphins is similar to that for human moms, which includes ultrasound exams and blood tests.

Factors tracked during daily activities include weight gain, body temperature, diet and blubber thickness.

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Online: Brookfield Zoo, http://tinyurl.com/a3d3xac

This Jan. 17, 2013 photo provided by the Chicago Zoological Society shows an ultrasound image of the fetus of Allie, a 26-year-old bottlenose dolphin at Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield. Allie is one of three bottlenose dolphins that are pregnant and due to give birth this summer and fall. Allie has had two previous calves. Associated Press

Jennifer Langan, center, associate veterinarian for the Chicago Zoological Society, performs an ultrasound on Allie, 26, one of three pregnant bottlenose dolphins at Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield. Langan is assisted by keeper Kristina Fliss, left, and Kate Sladek, a senior veterinary technician. Associated Press

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