Chicago aquarium's new baby dolphin is a boy

[June 13, 2012]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Veterinarians at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium say a baby dolphin born two weeks ago is male.

The aquarium debuted the baby Pacific white-sided dolphin calf to photographers Tuesday. Shedd's animal care and health team confirmed the calf's gender through visual observation.

Aquarium officials say mother Piquet (pee-KEHT) is taking care of her baby and they swim together.

The calf started nursing last week, and aquarium officials say he's been gaining weight. Shedd's animal experts say the baby dolphin weighs about 30 pounds -- 5 pounds more than when he was born May 28.

The mother and baby dolphin will remain off-exhibit for a few more weeks as veterinarians monitor and care for them.

[Associated Press]

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