Dolphin reproduction start
with the copulation of a couple of dolphins.
The copulation occurs belly to belly initiating the
gestation.
The gestation period is varied from species to species ranging
from 11 up to 17 months in the case of the killer whale, being
12 months for the common bottlenose dolphin.
Dolphin mothers usually go to shallow waters to deliver the
calves, usually assisted by another dolphin which takes the
role of a midwife.
Usually a single calf is born, which is nursed for around 18
months with milk from the mother.
Calves live close to their mothers for around 6 years.