Baby bottlenose dolphin born at Brookfield Zoo

BROOKFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- The Brookfield Zoo is now home to a new 35-pound male bottlenose dolphin calf, officials said.

The calf was born to 9-year-old Allison, a first-time mom, around 1:15 p.m. Friday, officials said.

PHOTOS: Baby bottlenose dolphin born at Brookfield Zoo

Allison and her calf are a part of the zoo's Seven Seas main habitat along with Tapeko, 33; Merlin, Tapeko's one-year-old son; and Magic, Merlin's one-year-old half-brother.

"Dolphins are gregarious and form fluid social groupings throughout their lives. Mothers often form groups with other females who help in raising their young," said Rita Stacey, curator of marine mammals for the Chicago Zoological Society. "Having successfully raised several calves of her own, including Merlin, Tapeko is a wonderful role model to Allison."

The exhibit's underwater viewing area will be closed in order to allow Allison and her calf time to bond.