Monkey Mia's newest bottlenose dolphin calf named 'Kiya'

28/2/98

Monkey Mia's newest bottlenose dolphin calf was today officially named Kiya.

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said the name Kiya was selected from thousands of entries to the naming competition sponsored by West Australian Newspapers and held during the last four weeks.

The Minister said the competition to name the new dolphin at Monkey Mia had received a great response from the public, highlighting the popularity and importance of this famous nature-based tourism attraction.

"More than 4,500 entries were received from throughout Western Australia with entries also lodged by interstate and international visitors," Mrs Edwardes said.

The winning entry was by Anne Duncan from Armadale who has won a weekend for two at Karri Mia Lodge in the State's South-West.

Three consolation prize packs consisting of a Monkey Mia video, CALM Wild about Western Australia CD-Rom, Shark Bay book, hat, stubbie holder and T-shirt were also given to Danni Harry from Safety Bay, Margaret Piggford from Falcon and P T Low from East Victoria Park.

The winning name was chosen by a judging panel which consisted of the five Department of Conservation and Land Management rangers at Monkey Mia.

Mrs Edwardes said Kiya was born on December 13 last year and was a very healthy and inquisitive new calf who came in close to shore with her mother Puck and brother Piccolo, both regular dolphins at Monkey Mia.

"Once fully grown Kiya will most likely remain a regular beach dolphin at Monkey Mia, as she will continue to associate with her mother Puck beyond weaning," she said.

The Minister said Kiya's thriving health was due to CALM's stringent management practices that were put in place in 1994 to ensure the welfare of the dolphins at Monkey Mia.

"Statistically, calves usually have 65 per cent chance of survival in their first 12 months. However we have been very lucky as the last four calves born to inshore (beach visiting) dolphins have all survived," Mrs Edwardes said.

CALM's successful management program includes regulating feeding to ensure the dolphins do not become dependent and have plenty of time off shore to forage for food, socialise and teach their young.

Human contact is also controlled and takes place only under ranger supervision .

The Minister also thanked the many people who submitted entries to name Kiya, saying that the number of entries once again proved that Western Australians do indeed love and treasure their natural icons.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell 9421 7777