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Baiji Dolphins

April 23, 2022

Baiji dolphins are freshwater river dolphins currently found in the Yangtze River in China only. They are also referred to as whitefin, Yangtze River, or Chinese river dolphins. The Baiji is also casually referred to as the Goddess of the Yangtze. Sadly, this river dolphin was declared extinct in 2007 after a failed six-week mission in search of one.

Fun Facts About the Baiji

  • Baiji is a Chinese word referring to the white dolphin. It is believed to be the first dolphin species to go extinct as a result of humans. 
  • Female baijis were slightly larger than male baijis. The maximum size of a fully grown male baiji was about 2.29 m (7 ft. 6 in.), while the maximum size of a fully grown female baiji was about 2.53 m (8 ft. 4 in.)
  • The Baiji (Yangtze River dolphin) was a freshwater riverine habitat animal. Scientists have placed it in the family Platanistidae, referring to the river dolphin family. The other four river dolphins in this family include the Amazon river dolphin, La Plata river dolphin, Ganges river dolphin, and Indus river dolphin.
  • Baijis had a small head, rounded flippers, stocky body, and narrow beak. Their skin was bluish-gray, and they had a white underbelly.

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