The calf was born on 2 June at around 2pm and is the offspring of bottlenose dolphins LUNA and HUGO. In a statement, the park revealed that both mother and calf are progressing well and remain under round-the-clock supervision from Zoomarine’s veterinary and animal welfare teams.

According to Zoomarine Algarve, the newborn’s name pays tribute to SAM, one of the park’s most celebrated dolphins, who lived to the age of 51 and was recognised as the world’s oldest recorded male bottlenose dolphin under human care.

The birth forms part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) ex situ conservation programme, which coordinates the responsible management of animal populations living in accredited zoological institutions across Europe. This initiative aims to maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations through science-based cooperation while supporting animal welfare and conservation objectives.

As reported by Zoomarine, the first weeks of a dolphin calf’s life are critical for its development, requiring specialists to closely monitor nursing, swimming coordination, growth and the gradual integration of the newborn into the social group, while ensuring both mother and offspring experience minimal disturbance.

Marine ambassador

Ana Salbany, Zoological Curator at Zoomarine Algarve, said “the birth of a bottlenose dolphin calf is always a very special occasion, but it also provides an opportunity to observe critical stages of the species’ development from the very beginning”, adding that “this contributes to scientific knowledge and helps raise public awareness of marine conservation through information based on observation and decades of experience”.

She also mentioned that SAMI would become a new ambassador for marine life and for the protection of the world’s oceans.

This announcement comes after Zoomarine Algarve retained its Global Human Conservation certification in 2025 for the eighth consecutive year, an accreditation awarded by American Humane that distinguishes institutions meeting internationally recognised standards for animal welfare and professional care. The criteria for this accreditation involves independent assessments of animal management, veterinary care, enrichment programmes and conservation practices.

Founded in 1991 near Guia, in the municipality of Albufeira, Zoomarine combines marine animal presentations with conservation, environmental education and scientific research. Over the past three decades, the park has participated in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation initiatives through the Porto d’Abrigo – Zoomarine rehabilitation centre, which has cared for thousands of stranded marine animals before returning many to the wild.