IQUITOS, Peru – The Plight of the Pink River Dolphin is a short documentary investigating the illegal exploitation of endangered pink river dolphins in the Amazon, driven by a myth about their magical properties.
The film reveals how pusangas—perfumes made from dolphin oil and body parts—are sold in markets and online, despite the species being protected by law.
The documentary follows Romi Castagnino as she explores the illegal wildlife trade in Iquitos, Peru, specifically in the Belén Market, where dolphin-derived products are sold under the guise of their supposed aphrodisiacal and magical properties.
Through interviews with experts, local activists, and Indigenous community members, including Leonardo Tello and wildlife conservationist Cédric Gilleman, to understand the cultural context behind these beliefs and the impact they have on dolphin populations.
The myth of the shape-shifting dolphin, once a colonial-era tale, has been exploited by urban shamans to fuel the demand for dolphin products, resulting in the illegal killing of dolphins for their oil.
Despite this exploitation, the documentary also highlights efforts to protect the dolphins through education, conservation, and community involvement, offering a message of hope for the species’ survival.
The film sheds light on the harmful intersection of myth, greed, and environmental destruction while advocating for the urgent need to protect the pink river dolphin from extinction.
This article by Romi Castagnino was first published by Mongabay.com on 5 February 2025. Lead Image: A pink river dolphin. Image ©Aflomotion, Pond5.
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