Stranded pink river dolphins prompt rescue effort in Bolivian Amazon

Bolivia seeks rescue of stranded river dolphins

LA PAZ, Bolivia — Bolivian scientists are trying to rescue a group of pink river dolphins that have become stranded on a river clogged with mud.

Biologist Mariana Escobar says the nine freshwater dolphins migrated to avoid turbulent floodwaters on their home river, only to find themselves stranded on a connecting river by sediment deposits from the flood.

Scientists say they may use helicopters to remove the dolphins from the Paila River.

Biologist Noel Kempf said Tuesday that the dolphins are in good health for now.

But two newborns and another youthful dolphin still cannot survive and learn to fish in the unusually strong currents of their native Rio Grande. The dolphins have long beaks and can grow to 8 feet (2.5 meters) long.