I know you have heard about “pink elephants”, but have you ever heard of the Pink Dolphin?
There is a real dolphin that is pink, called the Pink Amazonian River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) found in the Amazon basin of the Orinoco River and its tributaries. These wonderful pink dolphins are one of five freshwater dolphin species and all are on the endangered species global “red list” (IUCN). The Amazon Pink Dolphin is the largest of the 5 known species sub-types.
DESCRIPTION
This dolphin grows to an average size of 81/2 feet to 91/2 feet and weighs in at around 200 pounds, with males weighing more than females.
The pink color of this species is not totally understood, but the “presence of capillaries near the surface of the skin probably accounts for much of its characteristic pink flush” (Source: International Society for the preservation of the Tropical Rainforest). Zoologists also believe the age of the dolphin and chemical composition of the water they live in (iron levels in the water) are other factors that may contribute to the pink coloration.
The Facts:
• They are friendly, sensitive, mammals with a brain capacity 40% larger than that of human beings!
• They are mainly found now in the Orinoco River and its tributaries.
• They can stay submerged for approximately 15 minutes before needing to come up for air.
• They can turn their heads 180 degrees.
• They eat fish, turtles, crabs, crustaceans, and at night troll for zooplankton.
- Their only predators are human beings (hunters and poachers) and it is because of humans they are on the endangered species list!
- The Amazon Pink Dolphins are thought to be the most intelligent of their 5 known species.
- Pink River Dolphins are only distantly related to the dolphins who live in the oceans around the world.
- The rise in pollutants in their river habitat waterways is seriously threatening their existence and they have always been a barometer for concerns about the health of inland rivers and water basins.
- Hong Kong eco-tours feature Pink Dolphins watches, of the Indo - Pacific Humpback species.
- The longevity of these dolphins is not clearly documented, especially in the wild. It is reported some have lived 10 to 25 years in captivity.
- Sound pollution , such as boat motors and heavy machinery used to cut down the Amazon Rainforest has been shown to adversely effect their "sonar-type" underwater navigation ability and cause disorientation.
It is time to be an advocate for these bubble gum pink etheral type creatures and save them from extermination! They have as much right as we humans to occupy the waterways of the Earth.
Sweet dreams, counting pink dolphins while you sleep….more interesting than sheep, don’t you think?
