| Considered the most intelligent of the five freshwater | | | | Amazon rainforest through pollution, mining, and |
| dolphin species in the world, these friendly and | | | | increased logging. Unfortunately, they also often get |
| inquisitive creatures have a brain capacity 40% higher | | | | entangled in fishing nets and die as a result. In recent |
| than humans. These lovely animals are usually | | | | years however, their numbers have increased and |
| between 6 to 10 feet long, weigh around 200 pounds, | | | | hopefully the trend will continue as laws are passed |
| and live a little over 30 years. | | | | that protect this fragile ecosystem and its unique |
| Sharing the river with humans for centuries, the | | | | wildlife inhabitants. |
| dolphins are respected by the locals and are actually | | | | Since the dolphins do not have any natural predators |
| featured in many of the different legends and myths | | | | besides man, they are quite friendly and unafraid. They |
| of the villages nestled among the banks of the | | | | travel alone and in pairs, although they can often be |
| Amazon River. Some locals tell stories of friendly | | | | seen cooperating with some 30 other dolphins, both |
| dolphins pushing people to shore after their canoes | | | | pink and gray, to round up fish. |
| capsized, and others believe they have magical | | | | Taking a swim with these unique and beautiful |
| powers. One of the more interesting myths is that one | | | | creatures is often a highlight of a tour through the |
| of the dolphins becomes a man in the night, seduces | | | | Amazon. Many cruise boats arrange for excursions to |
| young girls and impregnates them before returning to | | | | see the dolphins and often they will encourage guests |
| the river in the morning and turning back into a dolphin. | | | | to feed them fish, or jump into the water with them. |
| Many inhabitants of the region also believe it is bad | | | | These gentle creatures are known for being playful |
| luck to kill a pink dolphin. | | | | and friendly, but like any wild animal they can be |
| Despite the friendly feelings between dolphins and the | | | | aggressive in rare circumstances. Use good judgment |
| people of this area, the pink dolphin is now an | | | | before approaching these beautiful animals. |
| endangered species due to the destruction of the | | | | |