Birth: Pink dolphins are born in the freshwater rivers of South America, primarily the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. Females typically give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about 11 to 12 months. The calves are born with a light-gray color, and they gradually develop their characteristic pink coloration as they mature.
Nursing: Newborn pink dolphins rely on their mothers for milk and care. The mothers nurse their calves for about 18 to 24 months. During this time, the calves stay close to their mothers and learn important survival skills, such as swimming and hunting.
Independence and Dispersal: As the pink dolphins mature, they become increasingly independent. They start exploring their surroundings, expanding their range, and learning how to hunt and forage on their own. Eventually, they disperse from their natal groups to find their own territories.
Maturity and Reproduction: Pink dolphins reach sexual maturity at around 5 to 7 years of age. Adult males and females engage in courtship behaviors and mating during specific times of the year, usually during the rainy season when water levels are high and food is abundant. Females give birth to a new calf every two to three years.
Lifespan: Pink dolphins have relatively long lifespans compared to other dolphin species. They can live for up to 30 years or even more in the wild. However, they face various threats to their survival, including habitat loss, pollution, and hunting, which can shorten their lifespan.
Throughout their life cycle, pink dolphins exhibit unique social behaviors and form close bonds with their pod members, including forming long-term relationships, engaging in cooperative hunting, and displaying playful behaviors. These highly intelligent creatures are an important part of the Amazonian ecosystem and play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of the river system.