Dolphin Calf Gets A "Beautiful" Name

The female Atlantic bottlenose dolphin born at Brookfield Zoo in October of 2003 was named “Noelani”, thanks to a group of students at Springfield Southeast High School. Schoolteachers from throughout Illinois were encouraged to submit their students’ suggestions for the zoo’s dolphin naming contest, which ended last month. After tallying and judging the entries, the name submitted by Anne Weller’s 9th grade science class at Springfield Southeast High School in Springfield, Illinois was chosen the winner.

To select a winner, the judges also looked at the reason given for the name. The name Noelani is Hawaiian for “beautiful one from Heaven.” Weller wrote, “We found this appropriate for such a wonderful event at the zoo.”

As the winner, Ms. Weller’s class will receive a special day at the zoo’s Seven Seas Dolphinarium, including public recognition during a scheduled dolphin show, a private Keeper Chat with dolphin keepers, lunch with the Zoo Director, and Brookfield Zoo guest passes for each of the students.

Noelani was born on October 30 to Tapeko, the zoo’s 21-year-old Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Zoo visitors can see Noelani and the zoo’s other dolphins in the Seven Seas Underwater Viewing Gallery. For information about Brookfield Zoo’s ongoing dolphin research programs and fun online dolphin activities, visit Dolphins in Depth.

Bottlenose Bonanza
There is no shortage of dolphin information on this site, so dive right in:

• Dolphin Delight!
  Find out about Noelani's unconventional birth.
  
• Dolphins in Depth
  Want to train a virtual dolphin? Try out some of the things our trainers and scientists do every day. (Interactive games and detailed dolphin information)
  
• Dolphin FAQ page
  
• Dolphin in Depth Bottlenose Dolphin Information Page
  
• Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Field Guide Page

Noelani Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Noelani swims with her mother Tapeko and sister Kaylee.

Want a gift that will really make a SPLASH?
Join the Share the Care Program to help provide the best care for the zoo's animals. Purchase a package for Micco or Kaylee and you will help to support all of the dolphins for the year! Get a personalized certificate, animal photo, and more--just for showing you care.