SWIMMING WITH AMAZON RIVER DOLPHINS<br />WITH PIX AND VID<br />BY Mikey Jones<br />These amazing photos and videos show rare pink river dolphins in their natural habitat.<br />The rare mammals live deep inside the Amazon, rarely being caught on camera in the Brazilian Amazon.<br />The footage and photos were captured by Leighton Lum, 37, from Hawaii, USA.<br />Leighton said: “I ventured deep into the Brazilian Amazon with the goal of finding and photographing the elusive pink Amazon river dolphin. <br />“Once these highly intelligent and curious animals became accustomed to our presence, they approached closely, revealing their inquisitive nature.<br />“It was both amazing and a little concerning to be diving in the caiman- and piranha-infested waters of the Amazon River. <br />“Yet, the thrill of such a close encounter with these incredibly intelligent animals outweighed any fear. <br />“Sitting on the forest floor, face-to-face with them, was something I could never have imagined myself doing. <br />“Their appearance is so unique—unlike any other dolphin in the world—and experiencing that up close in their natural habitat was truly extraordinary.<br />“I wanted to create images that captured the singular beauty of the flooded Amazon forest, from the tannin-stained brown water to the towering rainforest trees, with a freshwater dolphin species that few people ever see. <br />“My goal is to use these images to bring attention to the Amazon river dolphin, highlight the threats it faces, and emphasize its importance to the delicate balance of the Amazon ecosystem.<br />“Encounters like this are a reminder of how extraordinary and fragile the Amazon ecosystem is. <br />“The pink river dolphin faces multiple threats, including habitat loss from deforestation, pollution from mining and agriculture, accidental capture in fishing gear, and, in some areas, deliberate hunting. <br />“Climate change and shifting rainfall patterns are also altering the delicate flood cycle of the Amazon, impacting the dolphins’ feeding and breeding grounds.<br />“Preserving the Amazon is not just about protecting one species—it’s about safeguarding an entire interconnected web of life that the planet relies on. <br />“The Amazon rainforest is one of the Earth’s largest carbon sinks, a critical climate regulator, and home to unparalleled biodiversity. Protecting these dolphins means protecting the river, the forest, and ultimately, our shared future.”<br />ENDS
