Brookfield Zoo mourns death of baby dolphin

It’s a sad day at the Brookfield Zoo.

The Chicago Zoological Society announced a male dolphin calf died at birth on Friday.

The calf’s mother is a first-time mother, 11-year-old Noelani.

Zoo staff said it appeared to be a normal birth, and necropsy results are being conducted to determine the cause of death.

Noelani is doing well, although staff is monitoring her closely for the next 48 to 72 hours. She is currently with her sister Allison, the zoological society said.

“This was devastating to everyone in our zoo family, but particularly to the dolphin staff, who dedicates their lives to the well-being of the animals in their care,” said Bill Zeigler, senior vice president of collections and animal care for the society.

Chicago Zoological Society staff say the death is upsetting, but that they will continue to be committed to their dolphin program, which helps to protect dolphins globally.