This pregnant dolphin will give birth after a 12 month gestation period.
Calves are born in the water. Deliveries are usually tail-first, but head-first deliveries are also seen. The umbilical cord snaps during delivery.
Sometimes an assisting dolphin may stay close to the new mother and calf. Although this assisting dolphin often is referred to as an "auntie" dolphin, it may be male or female. This auntie dolphin is often the only other dolphin a mother allows near her calf.
Dolphins give birth about once at every 2-4 years after a gestation period of 11 -17 months. Typically dolphins give birth to a single calf born tail first in most cases – not like other mammals do. If the calf is healthy, it will nurse for 1-2 years.
Calves usually stay with their mothers for 3-6 years. During this time the calves must learn how to catch their prey, how to avoid dangers, and how to find their way around the home range.