Abstract

The Mirage Dolphin Habitat collected reproductive data on Picabo, a 9-year-old female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), for six months. Data collected included serum and urine progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), and luteinizing hormone (LH), vaginal cytology, and behavioral assessments. Progesterone began to elevate on July 18, 2003 and dropped on July 31, 2003. Estradiol began to rise on July 31, 2003 and dropped on August 23, 2003. Ovulation occurred on August 10, 2003.

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Graph 1. Urine P4, E2, serum LH, and % vaginal cells cornified from June 28, 2003 through September 21, 2003.

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Dr. Barbara Durrant, the Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species (CRES) staff, and Dr. Dennis Arn for being invaluable resources. None of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of The Mirage Dolphin Trainers.