The news about the two dolphins at Dolphin Quest Bermuda came yesterday from the facility's marine mammal veterinarian and organisation founder, Rae Stone.

Cirrus and Riddells are two of the five females at the dolphin habitat at the Southampton Princess which is also home to two males.

"The fact that two of our dolphins are already pregnant is a very positive reflection on the dolphin's environment. It tells us that their social, physiological and habitat needs are being met successfully,'' said Dr. Stone.

The facility covers three acres making it one of the largest and most natural dolphin habitats in the world. It opened in November, 1996, and the dolphins range in age from four to 33 years. Gestation in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins is approximately 12 months, setting the due date for the summer of 1998, said Dr. Stone.

However Cirrus, 22, and Riddells, 32, represent two very different pregnancies due to their ages. While Cirrus is healthy and younger, Riddells may experience complications due to her age, noted Dr. Stone. Medical and ultra-sound examinations have also revealed that Riddells' fetus is slightly underdeveloped and less active than expected.

Dr. Stone cautioned: "Although there is a great deal of excitement about the pregnancies now, it is important to be realistic about the possibility of future complications or losses.'' Studies of wild dolphins have shown a high mortality rate in the first year of life, with newborn survival estimated at less than 50 percent. Both animals would be under constant medical supervision and closely monitored over the coming months.

This was an exciting time, added Dr. Stone. "We're looking forward to monitoring the dolphins. We feel they are part of the Bermudian community. We can work in a cooperative partnership with the mammals and help their pre-natal care. We have been following events with ultra-sound and we will continue to do this through their pregnancies.'' And she noted: "We look at these animals as ambassadors for their species.

Our participants tell us again and again that through their personal encounters with dolphins, they've gained a profound appreciation for the importance of protecting these animals and their ocean environment.'' IN THE FAMILY WAY -- Dolphin Quest founder and veterinarian Rae Stone shows the expecting mother Cirrus her ultrasound pictures.

ANIMALS ALS