Baby Chinese white dolphins are actually born dark grey, almost the same colour as most dolphins you might have seen in pictures. As they grow up, their skin gradually gets paler, going from grey to speckled pink and finally to the soft creamy pink of adults. Scientists think the pink colour comes from the blood vessels under the skin, which show through because the skin is so thin.
These dolphins are not large — about 2 to 3 metres long when fully grown, roughly the length of a small car. They are sociable and often travel in small groups called pods of around three to ten individuals. They hunt for fish and squid in the shallow coastal waters and are very good at working together to herd fish into tight groups before feeding.
The waters around Macau are important habitat for this species, but the dolphins need clean, quiet water to thrive. Boat traffic and water quality are things local conservation groups monitor carefully. Macau's government has supported surveys to count the dolphins and track their health over the years.
Spotting a Chinese white dolphin from a boat is genuinely exciting — they sometimes leap out of the water, swim alongside vessels, or roll onto their sides as if looking up at the passengers. Their pink colour against blue-green water is unforgettable. They are considered a symbol of the Pearl River Delta region and appear in local artwork and souvenirs.