They also record calf defecation and respiration, as well as general body condition. This low-tech record keeping system enables the caretakers to detect subtle early warning signs of calf distress. Marine mammal specialists prefer to leave young dolphin calves completely within their mothers' care for the first several weeks. A calf is so fragile that caretakers prefer to not handle it unless it is necessary to save its life. In addition to predation, other life-threatening situations for a baby dolphin include injury, illness, and inadequate intake of calories.
Dolphins have a high caloric demand because of their high rate of metabolism.
Dolphin caretakers must actively monitor a calf's intake of food. Dolphin calves suckle for about two years but they begin taking occasional fish as early as three months.