How to Swim With Pink Dolphins?

Perhaps, pink dolphins are one of the most fascinated and majestic mammals in the sea. They are not merely just beautiful to look at, but also very smart and interesting to observe. Pink dolphins reside in the fresh waters of South America. They are live in the Orinoco and Atabapo rivers of Venezuela; Amazon River in Brazil and Peru, and Beni River in Brazil and Bolivia. They are also present in the waters of Rio Negro, Rio Tapajos and Rio Solimoes.

These dolphins feed alone unlike their counterparts in the sea which hunt and feed in a groups known as pods. Their favored locations for feeding are flooded forests and the shallow lakes.

The characteristic feature which gives them their name is their color. These mammals have a pink underbelly, while the dorsal side is either gray or light gray in color. Sometimes, the dolphin can be completely pink on the dorsal as well as the ventral side. Amongst all the dolphin species, pink dolphins are considered to be most friendly. They are playful and can be seen frolicking with other marine animals, such as turtles and fish. They also seem to enjoy human contact and tend to approach humans when they are in the vicinity.

Swimming with pink dolphins is a thriving business in most coasts where these mammals inhabit. This gives people a chance to see these intelligent creatures and also swim alongside them. Most dolphin sanctuaries in Thailand and the Amazonian basins offer this experience to inquisitive tourists.

Because pink dolphins are delicate and sensitive animals, a swimmer should be clothed in a way not to scratch the dolphins with sharp edges, such as zippers on clothing, jewelry, sharp edged objects in the pocket or glasses. Even toenails and finger nails should be clipped, so that the risk of inadvertently scratching the dolphins is removed. Another advice is to slide into the water rather than jumping or diving. This will prevent the dolphins from getting frightening and swimming away. Make sure that you are accompanied by a trained dolphin guide, who will instruct you on how to approach and interact with the dolphins.

One of the best ways to swim with these lovable mammals is by getting in touch with organizations that are involved in the conservation and preservation of these mammals. These organizations help people to understand the facts about pink dolphins and the threats to their existence. The organizations use the income generated by visitors to care for the dolphins and protect their natural habitat.

In Thailand, Oasis Sea World located in Chantaburi offers the exciting opportunity to swim with pink dolphins. In Peru, you can visit one of the locations of the International Society for Preservation of Tropical Rain Forests to get into freshwater bodies to have a close encounter with these dolphins. Along the Yarapa River, you can visit the Dolphin Corners for an adventurous swim with pink dolphins. The charges are economical, ranging from $500 to $1,500 per person, depending on the number of days a person would like to go out swimming.

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Kum Martin is an online leading expert in animal and pets. He also offers top quality articles like:
Pink Dolphin Enemies, Protect Pink Dolphin

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Facts About The River Dolphins Of The Ganges

Dolphins are marine mammals which have approximately 24 different species. Most of these are sea water inhabitants while just 4 are fresh water inhabitants. Most of the later are found in the Amazonian basins. In Asia, these dolphins are found in Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal and India.

Susu or the Ganges river dolphins inhabit the waters of the Ganga, Bramhaputra, Karnaphuli and Sangu. They previously existed in groups but recent studies have found them living solitary lives or maximum of 2 in the group. This species has been declared as endangered by the ICUN. This has occurred due to the over-exploitation of the basins for irrigation, construction of dams, siltation due to deforestation, accidentally being caught and pollution. With the implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act-1972, Ganges river dolphins are being protected.

These dolphins are grayish brown and have a round belly, large flippers and a long and thin snout. The eyes do not have lenses, but the dolphins can still locate themselves. The slit on the head is used for breathing. They surface once every 30 to 120 seconds for taking a breath. They swim on one side in order that the flipper trails on the bed of the river for searching for food. The calves are born with a darker coloration which lightens with the progress of age. They are known to feed on catfish, prawns, sharks in fresh water, clams, carp and gobies. Although they do not migrate, these dolphins move upstream when the levels of water rises and get in to shallower tributaries.

They prefer inhabiting waters with counter currents especially where rivers converge, and in the down-stream and up-stream of islands found in the mid-channel. They co-exist with other marine animals like crocodiles, turtles, and wetland birds.

The females in this species are larger than the males. While the former measure approximately 2.67 m in length, the later measure up to 2.17 m only. The males attain sexual maturity by 10 years. The gestation period lasts from 9 to 11 months. The female delivers a calf once every 2 to 3 years. The ideal time of delivery is found to be from October to March with a peak in December and January.

Presence of these dolphins is an indication of a balanced ecosystem. Since they form the apex of the food-chain, presence of dolphins in adequate number indicates greater biodiversity in the waters. The latest count has estimated a maximum of 1,200 to 1,800 dolphins in a specified location. Conservation and education of locals will assist in preserving them.

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Kum Martin is an online leading expert in animal and pets. He also offers top quality articles like:
Protect Endangered Dolphins, Chinese White Dolphin

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