Pink Amazon River Dolphins

Considered the most intelligent of the five freshwater dolphin species in the world, these friendly and inquisitive creatures have a brain capacity 40% higher than humans. These lovely animals are usually between 6 to 10 feet long, weigh around 200 pounds, and live a little over 30 years.

Sharing the river with humans for centuries, the dolphins are respected by the locals and are actually featured in many of the different legends and myths of the villages nestled among the banks of the Amazon River. Some locals tell stories of friendly dolphins pushing people to shore after their canoes capsized, and others believe they have magical powers. One of the more interesting myths is that one of the dolphins becomes a man in the night, seduces young girls and impregnates them before returning to the river in the morning and turning back into a dolphin. Many inhabitants of the region also believe it is bad luck to kill a pink dolphin.

Despite the friendly feelings between dolphins and the people of this area, the pink dolphin is now an endangered species due to the destruction of the Amazon rainforest through pollution, mining, and increased logging. Unfortunately, they also often get entangled in fishing nets and die as a result. In recent years however, their numbers have increased and hopefully the trend will continue as laws are passed that protect this fragile ecosystem and its unique wildlife inhabitants.

Since the dolphins do not have any natural predators besides man, they are quite friendly and unafraid. They travel alone and in pairs, although they can often be seen cooperating with some 30 other dolphins, both pink and gray, to round up fish.

Taking a swim with these unique and beautiful creatures is often a highlight of a tour through the Amazon. Many cruise boats arrange for excursions to see the dolphins and often they will encourage guests to feed them fish, or jump into the water with them. These gentle creatures are known for being playful and friendly, but like any wild animal they can be aggressive in rare circumstances. Use good judgment before approaching these beautiful animals.