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 found stranded on the coast on January 3.
Her chances of survival were initially slim—but with great dedication, an unprecedented rescue and rehabilitation effort began.
In the first few weeks, every hour was critical. Francisca had to be cared for around the clock, fed special milk, and medically stabilized. Thanks to the dedicated team on site, she continued to develop steadily—step by step.
Today, four months later, she has developed into a strong, curious young animal. She eats fish and shrimp independently, displays natural diving behavior, and has been living in a larger tank for some time now, which gives her more space to move around and develop further.
This project is unique worldwide: 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.
For over 25 years, YAQU PACHA has been committed to the conservation of the Franciscana dolphin – one of the most endangered dolphin species in the world. Together with R3 Animal, Nuremberg Zoo, the National Marine Mammal Foundation, and Dolphin Quest, we have 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 work—and Francisca is at the heart of this mission.
Caring for and feeding a dolphin calf like Francisca is extremely costly—around €200 per day is needed for food, medical care, and supervision.
Your help makes a difference: with your donation, you are not only enabling Francisca to continue to develop, but also strengthening 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 for Francisca's rescue
Four months of dedication, hope, and progress—and we're continuing. Help us to continue this success story.
