On June 1, the Shedd Aquarium announced the birth of a precious 28-pound white-sided dolphin calf. This Saturday, the public will have its first opportunity to check out the beloved mammal.
The calf is a male and has yet to be given a name. The little guy has overcome several milestones over the last six weeks, including a steady weight gain to 40 pounds, swallowing whole fish and swimming more independently.
Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) live for about 40 years. There are fewer than 20 of them living in accredited North American zoological facilities, and the Shedd is one of four facilities that house the species.
Public viewing of the new dolphin will be from noon to 6pm on Saturday in the Secluded Bay section of the Abbott Oceanarium. Shedd Aquarium members will get an exclusive early viewing from 9am to noon.