These are the first pictures of an adorable dolphin calf exploring the waters off our coast with its mother.
Researchers at wildlife charity Born Free have welcomed the exciting new arrival – the seventh baby for its adopted dolphin Muddy.
The dolphin lives in the Moray Firth, which is home to 500 bottlenose dolphins.
Muddy’s new calf, which is still too young to be identified as a boy or girl, was first spotted in May and is thought to have been born in October 2016.
And charity bosses have now launched a competition to find a name for Muddy’s new calf.
Dr Kevin Robinson, lead researcher at the Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit (CRRU) said: “We estimate Muddy gave birth last October as when we saw her last in September 2016 she only had her older calf Hiccup with her.
“The baby is officially called CRRU ID#643 but we’re sure Born Free supporters can come up with something far better.”
CRRU is also offering the chance to “adopt” Muddy to help raise vital funds for the preservation of dolphins. Supporters will get a dolphin toy, personalised gift pack with information about Muddy and bottlenose dolphins, and regular magazine updates.
The charity is committed to the welfare, conservation and protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises, with its scientific research work focused mainly on the animals of the Moray Firth where it is based.
