Aquarium prepares for dolphin birth

One of the dolphins at the Vancouver Aquarium is about six months pregnant, with the birth of the calf expected in the summer.

Aquarium officials said blood tests and ultrasound indicate the mother, a 12-year-old Pacific white-sided dolphin, and herfetus are both doing well.

Vice-president Clint Wright said the test results werea relief for because Hana's last pregnancy ended in a miscarriage.

"We were very concerned, actually, that she couldn't have a calf again. And a veterinary team here did a fantastic job getting her through that.

"And for her, Number One, to be so healthy that she can get pregnant, and then to actually have what looks like a a very healthy fetus swimming around inside of her is very, very exciting."

Hana and another female dolphin were brought to Vancouver from an aquarium in Japan in 2005 after the pair had gotten entangled in fishing nets.

Wright added that Hana's pregnancy isn't showing yet.