A dramatic mass die-off of river dolphins is currently taking place in the central Brazilian Amazon region. Dr. Miriam Marmontel, an experienced researcher at the Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá, highlights the gravity of the situation: “We counted 130 dead dolphins in the last week alone.” About 80% of these are the typical Amazon river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis), while the remaining 20% are Tucuxi dolphins (Sotalia fluviatilis). In total, this represents about 10% of the known population in Lake Tefé. “Such a high percentage of losses among Amazon river dolphins is alarming. If these numbers escalate, we could be facing the potential extinction of the species in Lago Tefé,” warns Dr. Marmontel. She leads the research into the causes in Brazil and is taking important steps to protect the surviving animals, many of which are in dire straits.
But this cannot be done alone; it requires collaboration with others.
In this urgent matter, YAQU PACHA is working alongside our partners, Dr. Marmontel and her team, to save the remaining river dolphins and conduct a comprehensive scientific investigation into the causes of this tragic mass die-off. The alarmingly high mortality rate is currently attributed to rising water temperatures, which have reached an alarming 40 degrees Celsius in some areas.
YAQU PACHA, in collaboration with the National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF) and Nuremberg Zoo, has developed an emergency plan to support Dr. Marmontel and her team in their efforts to save the remaining river dolphins and conduct a comprehensive scientific investigation into the causes of these tragic deaths. It is important to emphasize that this emergency plan is a joint effort supported by a wide range of institutions, including YAQU PACHA, the National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF), Nuremberg Zoo, ZOOMARINE Portugal, L’Oceanografic Valencia, Planète Sauvage, LORO PARQUE Fundación, the Association of Friends of Nuremberg Zoo (Verein der Tiergartenfreunde Nürnberg e.V.), the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM), Fundación MUNDO MARINO Argentina, and Rancho Texas.
All of these organizations have joined forces to support this vital rescue operation by jointly providing essential financial resources and dispatching qualified veterinarians from the U.S. and European zoos. Our joint efforts also include coordinating on-site veterinary care.
The survival of the remaining river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis) is under acute threat, and they urgently need our help to preserve the population in Lake Tefé.
We kindly ask you to support us in this important effort with a donation. Your contribution will play a crucial role in saving these dolphins’ lives.
Donation account:
Account holder: YAQU PACHA e.V.
IBAN: DE91 7605 0101 0001 1416 38
BIC: SSKNDE77XXX
Bank: Sparkasse Nürnberg
Reference: Donation for the rescue of Tefe river dolphins
Amazon Dolphin Project | Manatee | Latin America Team | Environmental Education