There have been 36 bottlenose dolphins born in breeding colonies at Sea World, California, and Sea World, Florida, from 1978-1985. Significant features of this successful reproductive program are construction of a compatible breeding colony, early hormonal detection of pregnancy, pre-and postnatal association of inexperienced mothers with experienced females and their calves, and minimized handling of the mothers and calves until the calves are over 1 year of age. Inclusion in the breeding colonies of males old enough to be effective breeders is stressed. Females in the colonies have successfully bred from 8-9 years of age to 23-24 years of age. Calving intervals in the colonies vary from 2 to over 3 years. Calves are born all year round, with some peaking in calving activity in the spring and fall months. Serum progesterone levels greater than 6,000 pg/ml, maintained over a 4-6-week period, are considered indicative of pregnancy. Progesterone levels vary from less than 10, OOO to over 50,000 pg/ml during gestation, averaging 25,000 pg/ml. The need for further study of variation in the pattern of progesterone levels during pregnancy is emphasized. A gestation period for Tursiops of 11.5 to 12 months is consistent with our cumulative progesterone data.

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