Now They Can Be Called To Dinner - Marineland Baby Dolphins Given Names

By Joan Whittemore

St. Augustine, FL - Marineland is pleased to announce the names given to the three dolphin calves born at the Dolphin Conservation Center during the summer. The young dolphins made their debut to the public during the months of June and July. After much consideration, the following Timucuan names were selected in honor of the native population that resided in this area prior to colonization.

Roxy’s female calf has been named Tocoi (pronounced TOE-KOY), which means “water lily.” Betty’s male calf born just prior to one of the more violent storms seen in the area has been given the name Aqe (pronounced AH-KAY), meaning “storm.” Dazzle’s male calf, now called Tomo (pronounced TOE-MOE), translates as "guide.”

The calves exhibit distinct personalities and are a delight to observe. While all three youngsters continue the appearance of thriving, Marineland staff members remain guardedly optimistic about all three reaching adult status. Population biologists generally do not consider a dolphin to be “alive and accepted into a population” until a calf has reached the age of one, given the mortality rates of marine mammals in the wild.

As stated by Billy Hurley, the facility’s General Manager, “While we have learned much in the seventy years of caring for bottlenose dolphins…and certainly demonstrated our abilities to keep marine mammals alive as long and longer in our care…one can never underestimate the power of Mother Nature. This is true whether you’re raising an amazing creature like a dolphin, or your own human offspring.”

The public is welcome to visit and enjoy watching the latest additions to the “pod” through general admission to the facility. Visit now while the calves are still small, and take advantage of the year end special offering 25% off select programs between October 31st and the end of 2008. For more information about the promotional rate, visit www.marineland.net

For information, photographic images, or reservations call (904) 471-1111 or visit www.marineland.net

About Marineland
Marineland’s original steel oceanariums were the first structures of their type in the world and were built to house and display multiple species of marine life, replicating the variety of life to be found off the coast of northeast Florida. Marineland continues its tradition of creating state of the art facilities with the Dolphin Conservation Center. Today’s guests are able to interact with dolphins from around and within their habitat, even swimming with the animals. Efforts in the disciplines of education and research are shared, as guests view educational signage placed throughout the facility or are introduced to the animals via interactive encounters. In both cases the plights and challenges facing wild dolphins are key messages conveyed to inspire the general public to become informed and active in the conservation of marine animals and their natural environments.