Since the beginning of January 2025, our partners at R3 Animal in Florianópolis (Brazil) have been caring for a special animal: the weakened Franciscana dolphin calf Francisca, who was stranded on the coast on January 3.
Her chances of survival were initially slim - but an unprecedented rescue and rehabilitation operation began with great dedication.
In the first few weeks, every hour was critical. Francisca had to be cared for around the clock, supplied with special milk and medically stabilized. Thanks to the dedicated team on site, she continued to develop - step by step.
Today, four months later, she has developed into a strong, curious young animal. She eats fish and shrimp on her own, shows natural diving behavior and has been living in a larger tank for some time now, which gives her more room to move and develop.
This project is unique in the world: never before has a stranded franciscana dolphin(Pontoporia blainvillei) been successfully cared for over such a long period of time. Francisca is therefore not only a symbol of hope for her species - she is a milestone for the protection of marine mammals in South America.
YAQU PACHA has been campaigning for the conservation of the franciscana dolphin - one of the most endangered dolphin species in the world - for over 25 years. Together with R3 Animal, the Nuremberg Zoo, the National Marine Mammal Foundation and Dolphin Quest, we founded the Alliance for Franciscana Dolphin Conservation Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation (AFCR3). Supported by Zoomarine Algarve, Portugal. This international alliance brings together research, conservation and rehabilitation work - and Francisca is at the heart of this mission.
Caring for a dolphin calf like Francisca is extremely costly - around €200 per day is needed for food, medical care and support.
Your help makes all the difference: your donation not only enables Francisca's further development, but also strengthens the protection of her entire species.
Donation account:
YAQU PACHA e.V.
IBAN: DE91 7605 0101 0001 1416 38
BIC: SSKNDE77XXX
Bank: Sparkasse Nürnberg
Purpose: Donation Rescue Francisca
Four months full of commitment, hope and progress - and we are continuing. Help us to continue this success story.
