Pink dolphins, also popularly known as Boto, Bouto or Amazon river dolphin are a type of dolphin species living in the Amazon rainforest with bodies well adapted to the Amazon river. They are also commonly found in the streams and main rivers of the Orinoco river systems; the upper Madeira river in South America and Pearl river of Hong Kong. Some may mistake these dolphins for albino dolphins, however, these pink dolphins dwelling in the Amazon river belong to the genus Inia, with Inia geoffrensis, as their scientific name, and are not same as the dolphins seen in the oceans. While ocean dolphins possess a dorsal fin, these pink dolphins have humps on their backs instead of dorsal fins. Instead, these are the most popular of the five dolphin species, that are river inhabitants and are distantly related to ocean dolphins (belong to different families). Most of the pink dolphins are pink, however, their color may vary from pink, murky-brown, creamy-white to blue-gray and gray. However, they are not pink when born. Born as gray-colored dolphins, these dolphins develop a pinkish tinge eventually as they enter adulthood. Scientists do not exactly know why these dolphins are pink. However, some scientists also believe that the pink coloration can be credited to the dolphin's diet comprising crabs and shellfish, which contain a red pigment in their muscle tissues. As time progresses, pigment buildup is observed in the skin of the dolphin, thereby imparting a pink color. The presence of large number of blood capillaries, near the surface of the dolphin's skin can also be another reason. This is why when dolphins get excited, they turn all pink, just as if they were blushing! Pink dolphins are the last of the five other river dolphin species, as the others are almost practically extinct. As recorded by Brazilian scientists, their numbers have declined greatly since 2000. Researchers believe that these species are declining at the rate of 10% every year. The International Union for Conservation of Nature, an international organization based in Gland, Switzerland has listed them under the endangered species category. Pink dolphins have been inhabitants of the Amazon river for centuries. However, degradation of the river's environment has endangered this awesome species. The different reasons that have contributed to pink dolphin's verge of extinction are as follows: Various volunteer programs and societies like the International Society for the Preservation of the Tropical Rainforest (ISPTR) have dedicated themselves to the novel cause of saving these pink, friendly dolphins. However, it is the responsibility of each one of us to live and let live! We cannot continue living such selfish lives. We must be drawn by a concern for other inhabitants of this planet as well.