09.07.2025 – Dolphin babies

We once again encountered our regulars this time of year, the Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) as well as some Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) later in the day.

In both the Atlantic spotted and Bottlenose groups we spotted some very young calves. Newborns are easily identified based on their natal folds, light coloured lines and wrinkles along the flanks of the animals. The folds are created by the curled up position the calves have in the womb and wrinkles form when the animal unfolds as it is born. Natal folds are prominently visible for a few days to weeks after birth until they gradually fade away.

By Hannah Carstens

Sightings of the Day

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins

13:00 Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins

13:30 Bottlenose dolphins

16:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Sperm whales