MUSEUM CAMPUS — Shedd Aquarium is expecting another baby dolphin after one its female specimens went to Miami and came back pregnant.
The Downtown aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, said Monday that Katrl, a 28-year-old white-sided dolphin, is due in late spring.
It's the first pregnancy for Katrl, who's in her third trimester after returning from Miami Seaquarium. There, she mated with Lii, a "stud" of Pacific white-sided dolphins who's sired two other Shedd dolphins, including one calf born last year.
“Every pregnancy at Shedd is incredibly exciting, especially with a first-time mother like Katrl,” said Tim Binder, executive vice president of animal care for Shedd Aquarium, in a statement. “Our dedicated team has cared for Katrl for over two decades and watching her experience her first pregnancy has been incredible. We are humbled to learn from her and observe one of nature’s amazing events.”
Native to the north Pacific Ocean, Pacific white-sided dolphins are marked by their black backs, gray sides and white bellies, according to the Shedd. The dolphins are also known for jumping in the air and can swim at 25 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest creatures in the ocean.
Still, there are only about 20 such dolphins in North American aquatic facilities, and little else is known about the species, Binder said. The Shedd prioritizes breeding and caring for the dolphins so it can learn more about them.
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