Amazon River Dolphin

Inia geoffrensis

The Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), often called the boto or pink river dolphin, is a freshwater dolphin of the Amazon and Orinoco river systems. It has a long beak, small eyes, broad paddle-like flippers, and neck vertebrae that allow more head movement than most oceanic dolphins. Adults, especially males, may become pink from age, scarring, and skin blood flow. This dolphin uses seasonal floodwaters and flooded forest, taking fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey in channels, lakes, and among submerged trees.

Botos are not realistic private animals and are rarely held in human care because they need large, complex freshwater systems and specialized veterinary support. Most human work involves field surveys, acoustic monitoring, rescue from entanglement or strandings, and reducing conflict with fisheries. Conservation planning also deals with mercury contamination, boat traffic, dam construction, and loss of connected floodplain habitat. Community education matters because the same rivers support dolphins, fishers, transportation, and local food security.