Rising risk for river dolphins
Will you help river dolphins survive the devastating drought?
The Amazon is suffering the worst drought in recorded history. The dry season is hotter and fiercer than ever before.
Hundreds of river dolphins are dying, victims of the catastrophic combination of rising temperatures, drought and wildfires - all deadly consequences of climate change.
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Deadly Drought
Climate change caused the severe drought that parched the Amazon river basin at the end of 2023. Historically low water levels meant that the dolphins were trapped in lakes, cut off from other parts of the river, so they simply could not get away from rising water temperatures and the acrid smoke from wildfires.
Now the Amazon is being ravaged by another extreme drought, this shocking emergency only continues to intensify as water levels drop at an increasingly alarming rate – even worse than experts had initially predicted. Hundreds more dolphins are at risk.
Out of time
In 2023, water temperatures in some parts of the Amazon were equivalent to a hot bath measured as high as 41°C - way above normal averages. It was the highest temperature recorded in any freshwater ecosystem in the world. River dolphins can’t tolerate such temperatures. Some were found disoriented; others were suffering from thermal stress and strokes. More than 330 tucuxi and pink river dolphins died.
To the rescue
By acting now, you can help them survive. This is an emergency. And WWF teams are already being deployed.
With your support, we'll monitor the areas where dolphins are most at risk from being cut off. We'll provide veterinary supplies, work with local people to combat wildfires, and continue to push for global action against climate change.
Make a gift to help protect dolphins at risk in the Amazon.
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Your donation will support our work protecting dolphins within their Amazon habitat, and help us carry out vital work around the world.