The first ever female baby dolphin to be born at Dolphin Quest Bermuda has been named - Ely, after Ely's Harbour in Sandys.

But with two more dolphins pregnant, Dolphin Quest is still in need of name suggestions.

The dolphin Bailey gave birth to the calf, her third, on June 5. To follow the tradition of choosing a Bermudian name for the little dolphin, suggestions were accepted from schoolchildren, residents, tourists and staff members of Dolphin Quest. The name 'Ely' was chosen out of names including Cavello, Swizzle and Frangipani.

"Ely has been very independent from day one," said director of animal management Michelle Campbell.

"She spends her time frolicking with her brothers and discovering the ocean around her."

Ely has been under the watchful eye of her mother ever since her birth, and recently started working with trainers.

Two other dolphins at Dolphin Quest are pregnant: Cirrus, who formerly worked with the US Navy, and Bermuda's own Caliban.

The father for both is Khyber, the only mature male at Dolphin Quest Bermuda. These will be his second and third offspring.

Both calves are expected in late spring or early summer 2004. For more information on Dolphin Quest, you can visit www.dolphinquest.org or call 234-4464.