Pink River Dolphins
By:Sarena Berkman
Population
The population of the dolphins decline about 10% each year. About 3 thousand dolphins are killed each year out of a total population of around 30 thousand animals.
Threats
In the Amazon river, mercury is leaked into the water from gold mines. This poisons the water and kills many dolphins. Fishermen also over fish for a special type of catfish that the dolphins eat. The pink dolphins are also killed for their fins to use as fish bait.
Basic info about the dolphins
The pink Amazon river dolphins live in fresh water and lakes. They can be found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela. They are about 9.2 feet across and weigh up to 352 pounds. They are endangered and their numbers are quickly going down.
Dead from mercury poisoning
The dolphins are captured and used a entertainment for tourists.