Second calf born to famous dolphins at Monkey Mia

19/11/98

One of Western Australia's world-renowned Monkey Mia dolphins gave rangers and visitors a great surprise on Saturday when she gave birth - the second calf born to the famous dolphins in less than two weeks.

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said the latest birth meant there were now three calves, three juveniles and a number of adult females which regularly swam in-shore to the Monkey Mia beach - enhancing one of the State's greatest natural attractions.

"These new births have also been attracting record numbers of dolphins to Monkey Mia," Mrs Edwardes said.

"In one day recently 22 different dolphins were recorded visiting the beach."

The Minister said the birth of the second calf highlighted the success of the Department of Conservation and Land Management's (CALM) dolphin management practices.

"Since CALM put in place stringent regulations and management practices in 1994 to ensure the welfare of the dolphins, the number and health of the beach-visiting dolphins has significantly improved," she said.

"Calves generally have a 65 per cent chance of survival in their first 12 months, however the last five calves born to in-shore (beach-visiting) dolphins have all survived.

"The birth and survival of these calves is an indication of CALM's success in the field of wildlife management."

Mrs Edwardes said the birth of the second calf was keeping CALM's Monkey Mia rangers extremely busy and she urged people visiting the area to obey regulations.

"It is important that visitors stay out of the water when the calves and their mothers are close to shore," she said.

"This will prevent the calves from becoming stranded on the beach, as they can be confused by rapid movements from people in the water."

The Minister said while this meant less public interaction with the dolphins, viewing should not be affected.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell 9421 7777