It is one of the rarest and most magical sights in the natural world.
A bottlenose dolphin goes into labour . . . then a calf emerges, tail first. Mother guides baby gently to the surface, where they swim together for the first time.
Very few dolphin births have been captured on film in such astonishing detail.
A bottlenose dolphin goes into labour . . . then a calf emerges, tail first. Mother guides baby gently to the surface, where they swim together for the first time.
Very few dolphin births have been captured on film in such astonishing detail.
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Magical: Very few dolphin births have been captured on film
Nearly there: The dolphin is born tail first
In a cloud of blood the dolphin calf is freeThis one was recorded at a wildlife park pool in Rimini, Italy, where photographer Leandro Stanzani was in exactly the right place at the right time.
"To take good pictures is not easy," said Mr Stanzani, who has been taking photos of dolphins for 14 years.
"Most births happen during the night when the light is very poor.
"To take good pictures is not easy," said Mr Stanzani, who has been taking photos of dolphins for 14 years.
"Most births happen during the night when the light is very poor.
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Happily swimming side by side with its mother the baby dolphin is instantly at home in the sea
Follow my lead: Mother shows baby how to leap in true dolphin style
Mother nose best: Moments after the birth, she helps the calf towards the surface
