The Amazon Pink River Dolphin

The Amazon Pink River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), also known as “boto” by the locals, is probably the most wonderful and highlight of the trip in the Amazon jungle.

This rare and beautiful creature is considered to be a mythical figure that has been revered. The pink river dolphin is actually one of two endangered freshwater dolphin species found in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins.

The pink Amazon River dolphin is one of the few freshwater species and the best-known river dolphins. They vary in color depending on their age; Juveniles are dark gray on dorsal side, lighter gray on ventral side of medium size, with long bill, stocky body, and prominent forehead. As they mature, the ventral side and flanks turn pink; you may think they are almost mystical.

They become lighter with age, tinged with white and blue-gray. Pink dolphins are often found singly or in pairs.

The Amazon Pink River Dolphin Interesting Facts

1.- These Amazon River Dolphins aren’t all pink.

Amazon River Dolphins aren’t all pink Despite being called pink dolphins in the Amazon, not all are pink. These dolphins are originally born with a grayish color. And as they get older, many of them turn pink (due to their scar tissue from injuries after fighting and aggressive play during childhood and youth) while others remain grey.

Also, for those that are pink, their hue can vary from a pale pink to a kind of flamingo pink. Even when these dolphins are happy or excited, they can turn a much brighter pink.

2.- They are the Most Intelligent Dolphins

Most Intelligent Dolphins Among the five species of freshwater dolphins in the Amazon in Peru it is at the top of the list of the most intelligent. In addition to their large size and weight, they have unusually large brains. Since they have 40 percent more brain capacity used than ordinary humans. And despite being shy creatures, it is quite common to see them attracted to people and interacting with them.

As we mentioned above, they approach canoes and even local children, jumping and showing off, and wresting oars from careless rafters. All this without showing aggressive behavior. They are curious by nature and communicate using high-frequency sonar clicks. With this, they can build a three-dimensional echogram of their environment.

3.- The pink Amazon River dolphin is considered a mythical creature.

The pink Amazon River dolphin The Amazon Pink River Dolphin is a topic of conversation and myths of many anthropologists, biologists and others about these animals. One such legend states that dolphins transform into handsome men known as “enchanted boto” to seduce and fertilize women at night.

Other claims that if you go swimming alone, the dolphins can take you to a magical underwater city, which has led to a local fear of approaching the water between dusk and dawn, or entering bodies of water alone. Some also believe that they are the guardians of the Amazonian manatees, so those who wish to see a manatee must first reconcile with the pink dolphin. It is considered bad luck to harm the dolphins, let alone eat them.

4.- Live In the Amazon and Orinoco River Systems.

the Amazon and Orinoco River Systems Many tours in Peru offer the possibility of seeing and appreciating these charming animals. So, if you are looking for one of the most interesting things to do in Peru, swimming with these pink friends should be your first choice. For this reason, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in Peru, where you can find them and appreciate all their splendor.

In addition to seeing them in this national reserve, you will see them in their natural habitat, in mighty rivers thousands of kilometers from the sea, in small tributaries, lakes, flooded forests and submerged grasslands, among other places belonging to six countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.

5.- Pink Color as a Weapon of Seduction.

Pink Color as a Weapon of Seduction Not surprisingly, being one of the most intelligent animals, he has curious methods to court his counterparts. These unique dolphins have two very charming ways of attracting mates. First, the pinker the dolphin, the better for the female. Remember that its coloration is due to scar tissue from combat.

So, the pinker the more aggressive, the more aggressive the better for protecting the young. Second, males often pick up an object in their mouths. This can be anything from a reed or branch to a live turtle. The male then waves this object in the air to attract curious females. This is usually quite a sight to watch, not to mention more often than not it works, attracting happy couples.

Even before mating, the couple has erotic games, such as small bites by the males on the fins of the females.

6.- The Amazon pink river dolphin are gymnasts of the water.

Peruvian Amazon The Amazon Pink River Dolphin are super agile, as the vertebrae in their necks are unfused, unlike other dolphins. The ability to turn their heads to an angle of 90 degrees allows them to maneuver around tree trunks, rocks, and other obstacles.

They can also swim forward with one flipper while paddling backward with the other, letting them turn with more precision. They can often be seen swimming upside down, possibly to help them see the bottom of the river better.

Despite their small eyes they have good sight above and underwater and have no trouble navigating the Amazon’s muddy waters to catch their prey thanks to an excellent sense of echolocation.