Second new calf for Monkey Mia

• Dolphin calf born at Monkey Mia in Shark Bay Marine Park
• Mother 'Shock' and calf 'Static' now visiting the beach daily

The internationally-renowned Monkey Mia dolphins in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area have welcomed a second new arrival this season.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion said the dolphin calf, named Static, was born to Shock, a member of the dolphin group which regularly visits Monkey Mia beach. This is Shock's second calf.

"It is important that mother and calf be carefully protected in the first few weeks of the calf's life to ensure the greatest chance of survival, which is why we've held off on announcing Static's arrival until now," Mr Marmion said.

"Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) staff at Monkey Mia believe the calf was born in the Shark Bay Marine Park in mid-November.  
 
"Dolphin calves feed every 10-15 minutes and the mother's milk is rich and fatty, which allows the calf to grow up to seven times its birth weight in the first year.

"To enable Shock to feed her calf, DEC staff at Monkey Mia will shorten the morning interaction times when she is in attendance with her calf, allowing her to return to deeper water, so that the calf can be fed."

 
      Fact File

• In October this year, a calf named Piper was born to Monkey Mia dolphin, Piccolo
• Monkey Mia has been home to an international research project into Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins since 1984
• DEC recorded more than 80,000 visits to the popular dolphin beach in 2010-11
• The name Static was chosen as the dolphin calf is part of a dolphin research program involving echo locations and follows the theme of its mother's name Shock

Minister's office - 9220 5000

Shock with her calf Static at Monkey Mia (photo courtesy DEC)