Freshwater Dolphin Day

About International Freshwater Dolphin Day

International Freshwater Dolphin Day takes place on the 24th of October every year. It’s a day set aside to raise awareness of river dolphins who receive far less attention than their ocean-dwelling cousins.

It’s an important opportunity to focus on the plight of all kinds of dolphins kept in captivity and used as tourist entertainment. Dolphins are wild animals and companies like GetYourGuide are profiting from their suffering.

It’s also the perfect moment to highlight our Whale Heritage Sites campaign, which promotes areas where you can see whales and dolphins behaving naturally in the wild.

5 exciting facts about freshwater dolphins

1. Freshwater dolphins don’t have anywhere near as much blubber as marine dolphins because they don’t have to deal with such cold temperatures.
2. Freshwater dolphins often have to rely on their hearing rather than their eyesight because the rivers they live in are so muddy. Luckily, they have great hearing.
3. The Yangtze river dolphin is the first dolphin species to become extinct as a result of human actions. We need to make sure it’s the last.
4. All freshwater dolphin species are considered endangered or critically endangered.
5. The Amazon pink river dolphin flushes a darker colour of pink when it gets excited, just like a human blushing.

Why do freshwater dolphins need our protection?

Freshwater dolphins are entirely dependent on the rivers they live in for survival. Human activity is damaging those river ecosystems, preventing freshwater dolphins from thriving.

Dams are hindering dolphins from moving freely along rivers, making it harder for them to find the food they need. Pollution is another problem, not only harming dolphins directly but killing off the fish they rely on too. Dolphins can also become caught in fishing gear and nets designed to catch other prey.

The biggest threat humans pose to dolphins is more direct, however. Dolphins of all kinds fascinate us and many unethical entertainment venues are cashing in on this. Captive dolphins are kept in unsuitable environments, subjected to loud noise and forced to act in unnatural and painful ways.

We need to end the practice of dolphin shows entirely and avoid keeping wild animals like dolphins captive for human entertainment. Until then, freshwater dolphins will always be at risk.

Join our fight against the exploitation and commodification of wild animals. Can you lend your voice? 

Freshwater dolphin FAQS

Can dolphins live in freshwater?

Some dolphins can live in freshwater, although most live in the sea. Each species of dolphin needs to live in the conditions it is adapted for. Saltwater dolphins can’t live in freshwater because it damages their skin and they struggle with the lack of buoyancy. However, freshwater dolphins have special adaptations to thrive in, well, freshwater.

How many freshwater dolphins are there?

Out of the 42 species of dolphin overall, only seven live in freshwater. Of these, one has already become extinct.

What do dolphins eat?

All dolphins are carnivores, eating fish, squid, and other underwater animals. They are opportunistic feeders, eating whichever fish and animals are easily available to them.

Are dolphins endangered?

Not all dolphins are endangered, but all freshwater dolphins are either endangered or critically endangered. Urgent action is needed to help these animals live freely in the wild.