We ratify our commitment to environmental protection.
In a coordinated work conducted by the Colombian Navy, the General Maritime Directorate, the Omacha Foundation, Wildlife Conservation Society Colombia - WCS Colombia, Corporinoquía, the Mayor's Office of Puerto Carreño and the National Army, two toninas that were trapped in a body of water, near the Meta River, in the department of Vichada, were safeguarded.
The environmental authorities of the region had been alerted about the situation of these two pink dolphins, who were at risk of death due to the low river level. Immediately, the coordination began for their rescue and transfer to a deeper body of water, under the leadership of the Omacha Foundation.
The two specimens, an adult female and its baby, were extracted of the water under all safety and preservation measures, verifying their good health condition. Subsequently, they were transferred and released in the Caño Juriepe, where they will be able to continue their transit along the Meta and Orinoco rivers.
In recent years, the authorities have witnessed various situations of toninas trapped in overflows or wetlands of the Orinoquía, due to alterations in the flows of large rivers such as the Arauca, Pauto and Meta. When there are abrupt peaks of drought the animals are surprised by a decrease in water levels, being, in this way, stranded in water wells and disconnected of the main channels. Generally, mothers and babies are more vulnerable.
The Colombian Navy, in support of the environmental authorities, will continue to carry out and support activities that led to the conservation of fauna and flora, working for the protection of the environment and the natural resources of the country. In the same way, it invites people to notify environmental authorities in a timely manner about any anomalous situation; some of the authorities are such as Corporinoquía in Vichada, Arauca and Casanare; Cormacarena in the Meta or the Omacha Foundation by phone: (601) 6551489 and 320 3024740.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia
