Abstract

On December 13, 2006, a healthy bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) calf was born to "Merina" a 22-year-old Bottlenose Dolphin at the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys. The calf was the result of a transcervical insemination performed by staff from The Mirage Dolphin Habitat, using concentrated, fresh, chilled transported semen from Miami Seaquarium. The success was truly a team effort between veterinarians, trainers and administrators and each played an important and invaluable role. By utilizing a free semen trade agreement participating facilities proved that genetic diversity for the small facility can be obtained through artificial insemination.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to say a special thanks to Mike Muraco, The Mirage, for providing the financial opportunity and freedom to make this succeed, and to Jayne Shannon-Rodriguez, Dolphin Research Center, for her commitment to obtaining genetic diversity through artificial insemination.

The Mirage Animal Care Staff: David Blasko, Jim Hudson, Mike Osborn, Greg Sabataso, Erica Kiewice, Karey Chase, Bonnie Hart, Missy Giannantonio, Chris Flieger, Shelia Fuqua, Dr. Christie Hicks, Dan Blasko, Dr. Mike Simon. The Dolphin Research Center: Jayne Shannon-Rodriguez, Mandy Rodriguez, Linda Erb, Cheryl Sullivan, Debbie Rose, Denise Cabrisas, Julie Prevratil, Lynne Albert, and all the volunteers. Miami Seaquarium: Robert Rose, Dr. Maya Magdalena Menchaca, Dr. Michael Renner, and the marine mammal training staff.