Species Identification

Calves

D. De Gruchy©

Calves are usually born around March to summertime. When they are born, the calves are a lighter grey than the adults. The birth usually takes about half an hour and are born tail first. It's then, they make their way to the surface to take their first breath. The calves are approx 2 and a half to 3ft in length (up to a metre)when born. They can suckle from approx 12 to 18 months and stay with their mothers from 3 to 6 yrs. During the birth, other female dolphins acting as midwives usually keep a watchful eye for any form of intervention by curious males or any other predators.

Genital area (Female)

Martin Gavet©

When the calve suckles from its mother, milk is automatically squirted into the calves mouth from the teats which are located in the underside slits by her tail.

Neonate Fold's

C. Hansford©

These marks, possible Neonate folds (as above) are caused by calves being folded inside their mothers womb.

Dolphins dont mate for life, they have very social affairs. Females are known to have sex with several different males a day and at times will even let their offspring explore them sexually. Dolphins also have homosexual and heterosexual so called flings that is just being purely social. You could call it an orgy which happens quite frequently.
Even male calves at two days old can have erections. Dolphins can also become sexually aroused when people have touched them whilst swimming with them. It has also been known that dolphins have slapped or nipped people to warn them off. When arguments break out in a group, it can lead to a dolphin actually being chased out of a group and never to be seen again or even killed. At other times, they can have disagreements and after a short while, it all over and done with. (just like someone having an argument).

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