Pretty in Pink

December 8, 2015 - 1 minute read
Pink River Dolphin
 
Lots of folks have heard of the playful bottlenose dolphin named Flipper, made famous by Hollywood movies and TV shows. But very few people know about Flipper’s rosy-colored cousin — the pink river dolphin — a rare species found in freshwater areas of the Amazon Basin. Upholding the reputation of its saltwater-dwelling kin, the pink river dolphin is social, friendly and extremely intelligent. They also love the company of humans and a chance to swim with these remarkable creatures is a highlight of Delfin Amazon Cruises in the region. 
Scientists aren’t entirely sure why the animals are pink, but a common theory suggests their rosy pigment derives from the fact that blood vessels are visible through a thin layer of skin. In fact, Amazon river dolphins become more pink in color when excited, much like humans when we blush.
Because pink river dolphins are so friendly, swimming with them is possible during a guided boat excursion. They often swim right up to the boat to get a closer look at human visitors. With the supervision of an experienced naturalist and a floatation device, you can get up close and personal with these gentle mammals.
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