Dolphin Calf at Brookfield Zoo Dies Days after Birth
Incident Date:
06/12/2025
Location:
Brookfield, IL - USA
Facility Name:
Brookfield Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Animal Death (AD)
Species:
Marine
Animal:
Dolphin
Animal disposition:
Dead
Summary:
BROOKFIELD, IL – A baby dolphin born live on camera at the Brookfield Zoo has died just days after footage of the birth went viral, the zoo announced Thursday.
The zoo said it was “devastated” by the sudden loss of the 4-day-old dolphin calf, who was born on Saturday and passed away late Wednesday evening. Dr. Rita Stacey, senior vice president of programs and impact for Brookfield Zoo Chicago, stated that “While the calf was progressing well, dolphin neonates face immense biological challenges. We are deeply saddened by his sudden passing.”
The zoo is still awaiting results to determine what caused the death.
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