PALMAS, BRAZIL – An adult Araguaian river dolphin was spotted swimming alongside its calf in the waters of the Araguaia River near Esperantina, a municipality in the northern Brazilian state of Tocantins. The moment was captured on video and later shared on social media.

The footage was recorded by local resident Juan Pablo while he was traveling by boat to a river beach in the village of São Francisco on July 31. He was accompanied by a friend.

Biologist Hugo Buratti said the Araguaian river dolphin is a freshwater dolphin species endemic to the Araguaia-Tocantins river basin. The species was formally recognized by scientists in 2014.

According to Buratti, males play no role in parental care after mating. Females give birth to a single calf during each reproductive cycle following a gestation period of about 12 months.

Mothers and calves remain together for two to three years. During this time, the mother protects, nurses and teaches the young how to hunt and survive in the river.

Amazon Agency