One of Bermuda's top visitor attractions, "Dolphin Quest'', has a new exhibit -- a baby dolphin.

Cirrus, a 24-year-old Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphin, gave birth to the calf June 15th at the Dolphin Quest centre on the Southampton Princess Hotel property.

And, following the birth, both mother and baby were said to be doing "very well''.

It is the first time that Cirrus has successfully given birth. She has been pregnant twice before while at another sanctuary yet both pregnancies resulted in still births.

Dolphin Quest's director of animal management Dave Grossman said: "Cirrus gave birth to a healthy dolphin calf.

"Cirrus and the calf are doing very well and will be monitored closely for the next few months.

"Bermuda and the Southampton Princess provide a wonderful habitat that enables the dolphins to interact in a natural environment.

"We would like to thank the community and volunteers for all their wonderful support and the effort that they put in to help keep our dolphins happy.'' The calf will be on display to visitors at Dolphin Quest The new addition brings the total number of dolphins at the centre to nine, including three males and five females.

At this point the marine professionals have not determined the sex of the baby dolphin.

Michelle Hammond, Director of Operations, said: "The calf is getting stronger and growing daily, becoming more independent. The mother swims it to us. It is all based on the mother's choices and revolves around her trust in us.'' Dolphin Quest organisers plan to get help from the public when choosing a name after they get a closer look at the calf.

The facility offers a programme called, "Dolphin Discovery'' which is a special interactive encounter full of fun, education and adventure with the dolphins.

Hands on contact with the animals take place from their unique submerged dock.

Children will also participate in a variety of learning activities, including games, art and dramatics in the Dolphin Quest Education Centre. Programme length: two hours. Ages: five to nine years cost $85 (community and hotel guests), $95 (non-guests). Open daily and 9:30 is the time for ages five to nine.

They also offer young adult encounters at 2:00 daily and adult encounters in the afternoon daily with the dolphins. For information call: 441-239-6957.

Reservations are required for all encounters. Go to the Dolphin Quest Beach shop located under the Whaler Inn Restaurant on the South Shore across from the Southampton Princess Hotel.

Babe of the sea: Dolphin Quest's latest arrival glides through the water along with its mother shortly after birth.