With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bita on December 20th. This remarkable Franciscana dolphin touched countless lives with her extraordinary story. Stranded as a neonate on a beach in Uruguay, Bita defied the odds, surviving for over 40 days—a feat nearly unheard of, as most Franciscana neonates survive less than 72 hours after stranding.
Bita was more than a dolphin; she became a symbol of hope and resilience. Her journey showcased the power of teamwork, dedication, and the importance of giving stranded marine animals a second chance. Her legacy reminds us of the urgent need to protect her species, classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
As we honor Bita’s memory, we turn our focus to Valentino, a young Franciscana dolphin who embodies hope for the future of this vulnerable species. Stranded on a beach in Florianopolis, Brazil, Valentino was rescued on November 24th through the Beach Monitoring Project in the Santos Basin (PMP-BS), a federal initiative overseen by Ibama. He is now under expert care at CePRAM/R3 Animal, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Associação R3 Animal, a founding member of the Alliance for Franciscana Dolphin Conservation Research, Rescue, and Rehabilitation (AFCR3).
Live strandings like Bita’s and Valentino’s are sadly becoming more frequent, but each rescue provides critical insights into the survival of Franciscana dolphins. Through these efforts, we’re not only saving individuals but also shining a spotlight on the challenges this species faces.
Bita’s story inspires us to continue fighting for marine conservation, and Valentino’s journey reminds us of the hope that still exists. Together, we can ensure a future for Franciscana dolphins, but it requires awareness, research, and collective action.
Let us honor Bita’s legacy by striving for a brighter future—for Valentino and for all Franciscana dolphins.
© Yaqu Pacha
Comments