Zoomarine Algarve welcomes newborn bottlenose dolphin – Portugal Resident

Zoomarine Algarve has announced the birth of a male bottlenose dolphin, marking a significant milestone as the marine park celebrates its 35^th anniversary this year

Named Sami, the calf was born on June 2 at around 2pm to mother Luna and father Hugo. According to the park, the youngster is developing well under the constant care of its veterinary and animal welfare teams.

The name Sami pays tribute to Sam, one of Zoomarine’s most iconic dolphins, who reached the remarkable age of 51 and was recognised as the world’s oldest male bottlenose dolphin at the time of his death.

Since the birth, mother and calf have been under continuous observation as specialists monitor key stages in the newborn’s development, including nursing, swimming coordination and his gradual integration into the social group.

The first weeks of a dolphin’s life are considered particularly important, the theme park points out in a statement, as calves depend entirely on their mothers while developing the skills needed to thrive within their pod.

Sami’s birth forms part of Zoomarine’s breeding programme, which follows the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) ex situ population management programme. The initiative is designed to ensure genetically diverse and sustainably managed populations of animals living under human care, while supporting research, education and conservation.

“The birth of a bottlenose dolphin calf is always a very special moment for all of us, but it is also an opportunity to observe, from the very first hours, key stages in the lives of these animals,” said Ana Salbany, Zoological Curator at Zoomarine Algarve.

“Our monitoring allows us to deepen our scientific knowledge of the species and contribute to raising public awareness of the importance of marine conservation through information based on observation and the experience we have built over many years. Sami will, from the very beginning, become a new ambassador for marine life and for the importance of protecting the oceans and the biodiversity that depends on them.”

Zoomarine says the birth reflects its ongoing commitment to animal welfare, conservation and scientific research. In 2025, the park received the Global Humane Conservation certification from American Humane for the eighth consecutive year, recognising its standards of animal care and welfare.

Sami’s birth also comes during a landmark year for the Algarve attraction, which is celebrating 35 years since opening its doors. Earlier this summer, the park unveiled plans for its new Centro Immerso, a conservation and research hub dedicated to marine wildlife rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation and environmental education.