We are deeply saddened to share that Piquet, one of Shedd Aquarium’s Pacific white-sided dolphins, experienced a sudden and unexpected loss of her developing calf Wednesday evening. The 31-year-old dolphin, distinguished by her smaller size and beautiful dark gray markings, is an experienced mother and was expected to deliver in October.
“While we are saddened by this loss, we are grateful that mom is doing okay and, as always, we are ensuring she has everything she needs at this time,” said Peggy Sloan, Shedd Aquarium’s chief animal operations officer.
Routine observations, data monitoring and weekly ultrasounds showed Piquet’s pregnancy had been progressing normally over the last 10 months. On Monday evening, animal caregivers witnessed a premature rupture of the dolphin’s fetal membrane and immediately began around-the-clock stabilization measures, including increased fluid intake and antibiotic treatments.
The expert team also consulted with external scientific advisors and renowned human health professionals from the aquarium’s medical advisory group.
Heartbreakingly, Shedd’s veterinary staff confirmed final loss of a fetal heartbeat on Wednesday evening.
“Unpredictable situations like this one are especially hard,” Sloan added. “We are a family of caregivers deeply committed to each animal and privileged to share with the public their unique beauty and biology. For so many of our guests, this is their only portal to the ocean and opportunity to see, connect with and develop compassion for dolphins—important species that serve as natural indicators of the environmental health of our shared blue planet.”
The cause of the event is still unknown; additional testing may provide Shedd's veterinary team and pathologists with more information in coming weeks.
Piquet, whose name means “female of small stature” in the language of the Tlingit, is eating and interacting with our expert animal care team. She is swimming with another female dolphin, Kri, behind the scenes in the Abbott Oceanarium for the time being.
As one of only four accredited zoological organizations in North America caring for this rarely studied species, Shedd is a recognized leader in Pacific white-sided dolphin research. We have participated in collaborative science and research efforts over the last 20 years, including 15 published projects.
“It is only because of the work conducted among the consortium of aquariums that the scientific community is able to better understand the species’ biology, behavior and sensitivity to environmental changes—all of which can be applied to the advancement of management strategies for wild populations,” Sloan said. “This is why, no matter the outcome, every pregnancy, every birth and even every loss is significant to our continued understanding and our ability to safeguard animals and nature.”
About Pacific white-sided dolphins
Found in the cool waters of the North Pacific Ocean, Pacific white-sided dolphins are distinguished by their black backs, gray sides and white bellies. A suspender-like stripe runs down each side. Pacific white-sided dolphins are known for their amazing aerial abilities and are among the fastest swimmers in the ocean, clocking in at 25 miles per hour.
The names of Shedd’s Pacific white-sided dolphins are Tlingit, the endangered language of one of the Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest Coast, specifically southeastern Alaska and western Canada, where these dolphins are found.