Just up the coast, the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program has followed local bottlenose dolphins since 1970. It’s the longest-running study of wild dolphins in the world, so we know a lot about their lives.
Birth
Moms are pregnant for about 12 months. Most calves around here are born between May and July.
Growing Up with Mom
Calves nurse for about 20 months and swim tucked beside mom in “baby position.” They stay with her for 3 to 6 years, learning how to hunt and stay safe. Moms even change their signature whistle, which works like a name, when talking to their calf, a bit like baby talk.
Teen Years
Once they’re on their own, young dolphins roam in small groups, play and sharpen their hunting skills. Most females have their first calf around age 9.
A Long Life
Bottlenose dolphins can live 40 to 60+ years.
A Local Record-Holder
The oldest known wild dolphin in the world lived right here in Sarasota Bay. Nicklo, born around 1950, was 67 when researchers last saw her in 2017. They spotted her more than 820 times over her life, and she was still leaping out of the water at 64.
Be Dolphin-Friendly
Never feed them, give them space (NOAA recommends 50 yards) and reel in your line when they’re close.
Get Up Close with a Real-Life Dolphin on NautiDawg Charters
See moms and calves surface side by side in Lemon Bay on a private 2-hour Englewood dolphin tour with NautiDawg Charters. It’s $250 for up to 6 guests. Call 941-416-7071 or book your Englewood dolphin tour today.