MANAUS, BRAZIL - An injured Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) was rescued along a riverbank in the municipality of Coari, in Brazil’s Amazonas state. The animal, still alive at the time, was transported by police officers to a nearby beach for veterinary assessment but did not survive.

Images show visible marks across the animal’s body, indicating injuries. According to officers, the dolphin was spotted near a rural community during a patrol.

After evaluation, it was identified as an older male. Authorities suspect the animal may have been injured during illegal fishing activities or become entangled in nets.

The species Inia geoffrensis is threatened with extinction and is classified as “Endangered” by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its population is estimated to decline by half every 10 years due to hunting for bait (piracatinga), pollution, hydroelectric development, and severe droughts — raising critical concerns for Amazon biodiversity.

Amazon Agency