Experts from the Moscow Center for Oceanography and Marine Biology “Moskvarium” are preparing for the birth of Russia’s first orca calf born naturally in an artificial environment. socialbites.ca was informed about this by the press service of the scientific institution.
The baby’s mother will be the orca Naya. The animal is currently 15 months pregnant.
“Currently, the situation is developing positively: the pregnancy is proceeding smoothly, Naya is under constant supervision and receives the necessary care. We have every reason to be confident in a successful outcome of childbirth. The gestation period of killer whales varies from 15.5 to 18 months, most often birth occurs at 17.5 months: most likely we expect the birth of a calf in December,” Moskvarium’s chief veterinarian Irina Suvorova told socialbites.ca.
The research center staff monitors Naya’s psychological state and has developed a special diet for her, which includes a vitamin prophylaxis regimen.
Trainers and experts also managed to establish a stable and trusting relationship with the killer whale. Taking into account the animal’s need for socialization, an individual program was prepared for Naya, consisting of environmental enrichment, play sessions and exercises to improve the mammal’s cognitive skills.
Experts have warned that the most difficult phase will be parturition and the period after birth, as more than 50% of newborn calves in wild killer whale populations fail to survive. This is because these marine mammals do not have a maternal instinct.
Previously, biologists had discovered that female dolphins lisp with her offspring.