Since early January 2025, our partners at R3 Animal in Florianópolis (Brazil) have been caring for a special animal: Francisca, a weakened Franciscana dolphin calf that was stranded on the coast on January 3.
At first, her chances of survival were slim—but thanks to tremendous dedication, an unprecedented rescue and rehabilitation effort began.
In the first few weeks, every hour was critical. Francisca required round-the-clock care, special formula, and medical stabilization. Thanks to the dedicated team on site, she made steady progress—step by step.
Today, four months later, she has grown into a strong, curious young fish. She eats fish and shrimp on her own, displays natural diving behavior, and has been living for some time now in a larger tank that gives her more room to move around and continue developing.
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 conservation of marine mammals in South America.
For over 25 years, YAQU PACHA has been dedicated to the conservation of the Franciscana dolphin —one of the most critically endangered dolphin species in the world. Together with R3 Animal, 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 combines research, conservation, and rehabilitation efforts—and the Franciscana dolphin is at the heart of this mission.
Caring for a dolphin calf like Francisca is extremely costly—it costs about €200 a day to cover food, medical care, and supervision.
Your help makes all the difference: With your donation, you not only support Francisca’s continued development but also help protect her entire species.
Donation account:
YAQU PACHA e.V.
IBAN: DE91 7605 0101 0001 1416 38
BIC: SSKNDE77XXX
Bank: Sparkasse Nürnberg
Reference: Donation for Francisca's rescue
Four months of hard work, hope, and progress—and we’re not stopping here. Help us continue this success story.
