In this photo provided by Brookfield Zoo, a newborn male dolphin calf swims with its mother Tapeko, 31, shortly after its birth at Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Illinois on October 16, 2013. The calf was approximately 40 pounds and 3.5 feet long at the time of its birth at the zoo, which is located just outside of Chicago. UPI/Jim Schultz/Chicago Zoological Society | License Photo
The society said the zoo's Dolphin Presentations are being put on hold for a time to allow Tapeko to bond with her calf and introduce it to the other dolphins in her group.
"We know that the first 30 days are extremely critical in the calf's life," said Rita Stacey, marine mammal curator for the Chicago Zoological Society.
Tapeko has previously reared four calves, including one grandson.
"This is an important time for our breeding group of females," Stacey said. "As an experienced mom, Tapeko is able to demonstrate to the younger females how to care for a newborn calf."
