Sami was born on June 2 as the Algarve marine park celebrates its 35th anniversary this year
Zoomarine has announced the birth of Sami, a male bottlenose dolphin born last month, marking a significant moment in the year the marine park celebrates its 35th anniversary.
The calf is the offspring of Luna and Hugo and has been under the continuous care of Zoomarine’s veterinary and animal well-being teams since birth. According to the park, both mother and calf are progressing well as they go through the crucial first weeks of development, during which nursing, swimming coordination, and social integration are closely monitored.
Sami’s name pays tribute to Sam, one of the park’s best-known dolphins, who reached the remarkable age of 51 and was recognised at the time as the world’s oldest male bottlenose dolphin. The choice of name reflects a legacy that has become closely associated with Zoomarine’s history.
The birth forms part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s (EAZA) ex situ population management programme, which coordinates the responsible and sustainable management of animal populations under human care through a science-based, collaborative approach.
“The birth of a bottlenose dolphin calf is always a very special moment, but it is also an opportunity to observe the earliest stages of these animals’ lives,” said Ana Salbany, Zoomarine’s zoological curator. “This allows us to deepen our scientific knowledge of the species whilst raising awareness of the importance of marine conservation through information based on observation and years of experience.”
The announcement comes as Zoomarine marks its 35th anniversary and follows the park’s eighth consecutive Global Humane Conservation™ certification, awarded in 2025 by American Humane, recognising its standards of animal well-being and specialised care.
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