Zoomarine Algarve announced, in a statement, the birth of a new bottlenose dolphin calf, an event that symbolically marks the year in which the park celebrates 35 years of activity. The male calf, named SAMI, was born on June 2, at 2:00 PM, and is developing favorably under continuous monitoring by the team of veterinarians and animal welfare technicians.
According to the same source, the chosen name pays homage to SAM, one of the most emblematic figures in Zoomarine’s history, who reached 51 years of age and was recognized as the world’s oldest male dolphin at the time of his death. According to the park, the choice aims to mark the legacy left by the one who was considered a true ambassador of the species.
A son of LUNA and HUGO, SAMI is part of Zoomarine’s breeding program and fits into the population management plan of the ex situ program of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), dedicated to the sustainable and scientifically guided management of populations under human care.
The first days of a bottlenose dolphin’s life are considered decisive for its development, particularly with respect to nursing, swimming coordination and social integration. For this reason, the technical team continuously monitors health indicators, behavior and development of the calf and its dam.
“The birth of a bottlenose dolphin calf is always a very special moment for all of us, but it is also an opportunity to monitor, from the earliest hours, decisive stages in the life of these animals. This monitoring allows us to deepen scientific knowledge about the species and to contribute to raising public awareness of the importance of marine conservation,” says Ana Salbany, zoological curator of Zoomarine Algarve.
Recognized in 2025, for the eighth consecutive year, with the Global Humane Conservation™ certification awarded by American Humane, Zoomarine considers that this birth reflects its commitment to animal welfare, scientific research, and environmental education.
For the Algarve park, the birth of SAMI takes on a particular significance as it coincides with the celebration of its 35 years of activity, reinforcing a mission focused on bringing the public closer to the oceans, to marine biodiversity, and to the need for its conservation.
