Endangered pink river dolphin saved from ‘shallow grave’

This was no easy feat as the whole operation took 20 days to coordinate in order to save the pink dolphin, which can only survive in freshwater.

“A pink dolphin that was at risk of death, due to shallow water levels in the Pauto River, was rescued, transferred and later released into the Meta River near the municipality of Orocue,” the Columbian navy said in a statement.

“It should be noted that this species of aquatic mammal, scientifically known as Inia geoffrensis, has a presence not only in Colombia, but also in Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, and has been classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature,” it added.

Experts say the rising water pollution and overfishing are the main causes behind the dwindling numbers of all freshwater dolphins.

Veterinarians and army officials joined efforts to rescue a pink river dolphin stranded in shallow waters in Casanare, Colombia 🐬 pic.twitter.com/TB8pbTHqWH

— Reuters (@Reuters) January 12, 2022

In the video being circulated online, multiple navy and conservation experts can be seen struggling to first bring the dolphin out, then treating it and finally releasing it in the Meta River. The dolphin can then be seen swimming away in the waters.

The efforts of the Colombian government have touched animal lovers around the world.