Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Bunny Faber, Bury St. Edmunds — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:28:41 GMT

Quick! Let's all book trips to go there and wreck it.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Joe Fiet Las Vegas — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:30:29 GMT

If they are happy with their life so be it,they should let technology in only so far as it is not disruptive to their culture.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Kathleen Stevens, Noblesville, Indiana — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:33:00 GMT

This is fantastic!!! I can picture your visit as I read your story. I would LOVE to visit this place.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Jack Bellows 90 So. Perkins Rd, Memphis, Tn. 38117 — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:37:13 GMT

would it be possible to buy one or more of the bead necklaces shown in this article and if so where? TRhank you Jack Bellows

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

nellie kim, torrance cali. — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:41:59 GMT

There are things that should be left untouched. This one is one. I predict that this place and the natives wont be on earth in the future.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

becky — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:42:59 GMT

how amazing and exciting, they seem to be happy people, we could learn a lot from them

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Ron Gallup Onalaska Washington — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:47:52 GMT

What's interesting is that you are asking the question, what should we decide happens to other people. What about allowing other people decide what happens to them?

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Simon Perez, Fayettville, NC — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:57:03 GMT

Wouldn't that be an ideal spot to take the suspected terrorists and make them tell by letting in the ants at night? It would not be very expensive. A few knives, axes, maybe some colored glass, and beads and let's not forget alcohol.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Ryan, Chicago — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:57:05 GMT

The ability for tourists to "wreck" the Amazon would be quite difficult Bunny. I love how cynical some people are. If you've never been, don't automatically assume we are destroying it. My visit in late July of last year on an eco-tour (in which we fished for food, planted trees, and brought school supplies to local school children. Ever since I have come home I have given money to causes that support the Rainforest and have kept in touch with the few locals who have access to the internet. As for the pink dolphins, this was truly and amazing experience. To see these animals fishing in there natural habitat was an unforgetable experience as they came close enough to touch while chasing smaller fish. If you ever get the chance to get to the Amazon, I would highly recommend the experience.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Melinda Bandow, Aurora, IL — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:58:54 GMT

Like the National Parks, I am content to know that such beautiful places exist and much as I would love to see them "for real" I have no desire to add to the clutter and destruction that over-tourism brings.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Judy Frank , Thompson Falls, MT — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:04:38 GMT

New technology isn't always the best, things that have been passed down thru generations-are proof enough,that they work. All information (no matter how big/or small) should be laid out before you, and taken into consideration. But the choice to use it, should be yours. I would Love your job.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Betty Rober Seattle, WA — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:05:14 GMT

I would like to visit this place, especially the pink dolphins, they seem to enjoy the locals as well as for the sight see-ers that come there to see what beauty they behold from the world upon them...

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Sassa, Arizona — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:17:30 GMT

How difficult is it to get there? Well, yes, it's in the middle of a rainforest... but what steps do the tourists have to take just to get on the plane? Dozens of shots, so as not to bring in sickness? Possibly learning a few words of the local language? I would think if tourists really wanted to be there they would also have learned to respect the surroundings once they get to their destination.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Ken Roberts NYC< NY — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:20:36 GMT

Ryan, I can't believe you could be so naive. How old are you 6? Tourists and corporations have destroyed everything they have gotten their grubby,greedy hands on.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Jason, Minnesota — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:22:08 GMT

No mosquitoes? That did it, I would love to go visit!

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Cori Marchetti — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:23:23 GMT

Contrary to what appears to be popular belief, it is possible to visit a place of natural beauty without leaving a trail of "clutter and destruction," if you choose to be conscious of your actions.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

don schmidt greenville s carolina — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:26:35 GMT

Nothing last forever and most people would not destroy the place. Tourists are only as bad as where they live. The Amazon is a long river and not too acessable for travel.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Chuck, New London, N.C. — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:28:06 GMT

Let the people of the Amazon choose thier own destiny, but at the same time, outsiders shouldn't just intrude nor "impress" the locals with the so called wonders of the outside world. They probably live with more contentment than most of us could ever imagine.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Scott B — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:31:02 GMT

funny how, the secluded people who live in the forest quietly and relatively peacfully dream of high lives and big cities all running about doing great important things.. while we, who live in the very cities they dream of, dream of the peacful tranquility and amazing scenery of the forests... i suppose it may be a good thing that not all dreams come true..

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Hussein, Byron MN — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:35:18 GMT

I have been to the Orinoco delta and Angel fall in Venezuela and the Galapagos and the Cloud forest and have seen the many species of animals without touch or interferring, just contributing to the conservation fund to keep these places around longer, the native appreciate it and we learn to respect it. and God willing I will plan my next trip to Rio Negro to see the Pink dolphin and all nature has to offer.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Shannon, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:52:38 GMT

It seems to me these people will be destroyed and colonized only if it profits Americans. Tourism will only play a role in that if while there discoveries are made as to how the place can be exploited. The responsibility to respect the autonomy of these people and their land lies with all of us whether or not we visit. Unfortunately our track record is abismal in this regard.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Kathleen G. Austin, TX — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:56:12 GMT

What causes the dolphins to be pink? That was my main interest for reading the story. As far as tourist goes (anywhere) I say be an ambasador for America. I think that says it all.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Cher, Talmage, CA — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:26:02 GMT

Very few of these "native people" are truly purely native anymore. The Amazon region has been exploited by the Brazilians for over a hundred years as well as by foreigners. Many of these small villages are inhabited by descendants of people from all over South America who came to work in mines and forestry but stayed on to raise their families in this lovely place. Yes, we in America would consider living in a 15X15 foot thatched hut on stilts with no electricity or running water poverty, but in much of the world this is a perfectly happy way of life. Many of these towns now have generators that provide daytime power for the whole town, to pump water from the well, for televisions and radios, charging of the community satellite telephone, etc They are turned off at night and the quiet is profound, broken only by the sounds of people snoring, frogs croaking, fish jumping, crocs surfacing, howler monkeys singing... The people we met went into Manaus now and then to shop or for medical care but came home to their peace and quiet. They were friendly, loved the tourist dollars, but loved living right where they were even more. Yes, the young are enticed to try city life, but our dollars are enabling them to do so with education under their belts so they can further their education or find jobs when they arrive. I don't believe we should all pour in in huge droves but I encourage those who don't mind roughing it a little and love natural beauty to go see for themselves. It is a wonderful reminder of the wonders our world holds and how truly precious they are. Seeing with ones own eyes makes you desire even more to help protect it!

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

David K, G Rap, Mi — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:29:27 GMT

That is SWEET!

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Jayden Kolodychuk, Fairview, Alberta — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:34:57 GMT

I am learning about the Amazon and Brazil in school right now. I think it is stupid to be giving tours but if the Brazilians are making money to build other things then that’s fine but it is wrecking the economy.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Rev. J.P. Moore — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:36:05 GMT

Unfortunately, Bunny Faber is right. Thats just what we'd do to. Go down there, pollute it, leave the trash, then sell it to the highest bidding developer! The "new" Vegas!!

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Bonnie Long — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:36:28 GMT

What a lovely adventure! And such good writing, I feel as though I've been there.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Anannie Miss — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:45:38 GMT

Just ask the native Hawaiians whether or not their island changed by tourism. Praise goes to the ones who go and contribute to the people and their habitat but not disturb the culture. It's called respect. Something our current generation and culture has long forgotten. Let them decide how and whether they make modifications to their methods. You wouldn't tell the Eagle you could make his nest warmer if he only imported goose down feathers, would you? Respectfully,

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Kevin — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:46:33 GMT

"The ability for tourists to "wreck" the Amazon would be quite difficult Bunny." Geez, I've heard some ignorant .... no, make that stupid lines in my life, but this is a MAJOR breakthrough. Thanks for showing average to weaalthy people another wonderful spot for them to dastroy.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

amanda, pittsburgh — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:07:01 GMT

that picture of the little girl makes me want a pet monkey!

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Mona, Texarkana, Texas — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:11:07 GMT

There is a philosophy, a movement, I guess, called Leave No Trace, that the boy scouts practice. Take only pictures, leave only footprints. I would love to go. IT IS VERY POSSIBLE TO VISIT A NATURAL LOCATION WITHOUT SPOILING IT. It requires only preparation, forethought, reverence and respect. Any one who is intersted in the principles of Leave No Trace should google it, or just ask any cub scout!

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Tim, Milwaukee — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:13:46 GMT

I was hoping for darker pink. but I didn't know dolphins lived in rivers. cool!

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

txgirl, LA., CA — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 19:12:55 GMT

The cynicism exhibited here over the destructive outcomes of tourism and corporate exploitation is very refreshing! I hope this means that Americans are now aware of our tendency to destroy unspoiled places. That is a big change from the arrogant entitlement and wasteful consumption of American tourists in the recent past. Perhaps the well-deserved "ugly American" stereotype will eventually die out with concerted effort to expand awareness of our impact and bad reputation in the world. I, too, want to ensure that these places remain "pure" and untouched by outsiders, but I don't think it means we must to stay away. Interactions between peoples are not inherently bad or dangerous -- only our actions are, when we are uninformed, ignorant or motivated by greed. Every day we have the opportunity to change that status quo... By planning travel carefully through an accredited eco-tourism organization, and by making sure that our friends and neighbors are aware that this eco-conscious tourism option is available to them, too. So many here are rightly cynical in expecting we will destroy, but treading lightly in travel is actually possible; when done right, eco-tourism can benefit everyone. Spread the word. And if you're one of those greedy, ignorant, selfish or uninformed people, please stay home.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Dwight, Raleigh, North Carolina — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 19:57:16 GMT

It is so frustrating to see such negativity and skepticism surround such a beautiful place and an amazing story. Do you have a clue as to how big the Amazon is? Without a doubt there has been mass exploitation of the Amazon's resources and of it's people, but why are you so quick to blame Americans? Europeans were exploiting that land long before Americans were even capable of doing so. It is ignorant to blame a single country for what many have done. I have several close friends of mine who are Brazilian and they ALL encourage me to visit their country as often as I can. As several people have already stated, it is entirely possible to visit someplace without destroying it. Also, you can never truly appreciate something as powerful and life changing as the Amazon without actually seeing it. More people visiting would likely only help the local people and further the conservation efforts surrounding it. Tourists are never the culprit of the destruction of places like the Amazon. If you want people to blame (which many of you seem to be looking for) then you should focus your attention on the multi-national corporations that extract raw materials and build huge cattle farms in the Amazon. Just a single company that harvests trees for lumber used all over the world does more damage in a year than all the tourists have done in the last 100 years. As for the indigenous people of the region, they should have a right to choose how and where they live. People in this country often forget that we were once not much better off then the people of Brazil. We got where we are by exploiting and manipulating the land and its resources. Moreover, we continue to do so every single day. Not a single person in this country can say they haven't purchased food, clothing, cars etc... which doesn't have an impact on the land and resources of this world. Suddenly we are all very conscious of people in developing countries wanting to use their lands as they see fit. Don't they have the right to develop how they choose? Certainly we should help them develop methods that are less environmentally devastating, but we should not keep them from growing as they see fit.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

CHOPPER MIKE — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 20:02:26 GMT

it's 4:20 all the time their lets get a hamock!!!!

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Sean, Torrington CT — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 20:22:11 GMT

I'm a big fan of turtles and tortoises, so I'd love to go to a place where I could swim with the turtles. I'm a bit leary tho...do these communities have a wide enough view? They need to carefully control the numbers of tourists and processing of waste, lest the natural beauty be disrupted.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Ryan, Chicago — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:07:32 GMT

Ken Roberts, what is your deal and why do you decide to attack? If you've never been how can you weigh in? There are Riverenos (people who live on the river) up and down the banks fro Peru all the way to the mouth of the river. Their governments provide some with electricity and plumbing as well as docks. Major corporations have been exploiting the rubber and timber for years on a far more consistent basis. The trip I took gave me reason to support causes that will help protect the forest as well as fight against those who plan to cut it down. I assume you are the child with your heated juvenile attacks. Do us all a favor and never leave NYC.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Bridgett Vallery, Houston, TX — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:26:42 GMT

Looks like a beautiful untouched area...so few left. Thanks for showing the pink dolphins. Incredible!

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Jody — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:40:50 GMT

For those of you (Ryan) that believe that western tourists can visit an area and not "wreck it", go to Costa Rica. Go and see the numerous hotels, resorts, surf shops, gift shops, taxis, buses, rental cars, restaurants, candy stores, event planners, gated communities of westerners, monkey tours, parrot tours, bug tours, rain forest zip lines and all the other "modern convienieces" that we've brought to them - we've already wrecked it. All that in a country that remains broke, lawless, corrupt and third world. They're many wonderful people there, but you can see it on their faces - "We don't want you here!"

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Jody — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:41:17 GMT

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Esteban — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 22:31:01 GMT

Right on Mona!!!

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Doug Overstreet — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 22:39:03 GMT

Loved the story! Nothing like modern Americans wandering into the jungle where life is real. It is very important that the first peoples get the chance to choose for themselves and mix the "old ways" with the "new ways". The Rio Negro is an extremely unique biotope and the author is very lucky to have been privy to its people and wildlife. This article also reflects the amount of change that has occured over the last one hundred years. In 1912, an expedition of 16 well-equipped, experienced plant collectors and native guides went into the Amazon rainforest in search of orchids along the Rio Negro. The expedition lasted three or four months. Eight men survived, a mortality rate of 50%. I dare say the survival rate is now somewhat higher, however no one should ever forget the jungle is a very dangerous place and not for the inexperienced or faint of heart.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Lucy Arnold, Novato, CA — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 01:29:46 GMT

I really enjoyed reading about your trip. It reminded me so much of the one I took in May 2006... My 82 year old dad invited my sister and me to go on a wonderful one week naturalist tour up the Rio Negro. There were a total of 6 passengers on our beautiful little riverboat. We had a fabulous local guide who could identify and even imitate just about every bird (and other critters) we came across. The trip was unforgettable! To see a whole bunch of watercolor paintings I was inspired to do afterwards, go to my website at www.lucyarnold.com and look at the Amazon Collection and Tropical Insects Galleries in particular.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Sherri, Minneapolis, Minnesota — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 02:44:03 GMT

My son moved from Minnesota to Costa Rica and enjoys a wonderful life there with his Costa Rican wife. The first and only rule of traveling abroad is "When in Rome do as the Romans do". The whole point in traveling is to get out of your comfort zone and experience something new. I felt more alive when I lived with no air conditioning, no hot water, no pillows, cockroaches on the floor, monkeys howling outside my window, traveling by boat in the pouring rain, swimming with dolphins in the open ocean, climbing over rocks and hiking through the jungle to see hidden waterfalls... and the list goes on. It was a relief coming home to all things familiar but I can not wait to go back and do it all over again.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Philip — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 22:18:05 GMT

AWESOME STORY, great pictures terrific job. Each of the 3 stories that she has done from the Amazon have been really interesting, insightful and vivid. well worth the extra time Michelle Kosinski must have taken to get it right. Also amazing to see such an interesting story filed from right there in the jungle. (I had a friend there recently who tried to contact me and couldn't even get a call through to me as the phone system kept bouncing them! Got me in a lot of needless "hot water".) Congratulations to Michelle and her producer on a facinating series of blog stories.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Terry M St George, Utah — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 23:20:10 GMT

I too have been to that area,in mid 90s, via an Oceanic Society trip to see pink dolphin. Our guide was a college biology teacher, very familiar with area and language and was a world of info about plants and animals, birds,ecosystem. Travel was primitive on an old scow, hot, humid, tied up to a tree on river bank at night and cut engines and power. No light, no power no fans! But, a million stars, symphony of a nighttime jungle, glorious sunrises. Brilliant birds and monkeys foraging, swooping thru the trees and creating an amazing dawn song. Inhabitants of the small villages where we stopped were cordial, selling their handicrafts and curious at this new group of tourists. The elders in the villages had regrets that the young people all wanted to leave to the cities. A trip like that is like a journey back in time and I have memories of some extraordinary sights, sounds, smells, from those days on the river. I would wish it remained as it was. Those folks may not have the things and "advantages" we have, but they have the beauty of simplicity and a appreciation, understanding and respect for their environment and each other. They could teach us a thing or two as we would not last a day alone in those jungles!

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

MachoGrande — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 01:19:35 GMT

We can only hope this species of invasive ants wins.. and we are pushed farther away from this pristine area.. perhaps... it will get strong enough and oh.. shall we enter the thought of intelligence too.. to finally take humans from the top of the food chain. Then maybe we'll be more concerned with that, than killing each other and destroying the environment.. gooo Ants.. i'm pullin for ya

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Linda O Orlando,FL — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 10:33:18 GMT

I think alot of us miss the point. Big business people are the exploiters not only the tourist. They go and build the big motels so they can collect your tourists dollars. You spend your time in their hotels and their shops looking at their wares that they sell because it is to hard after they get done building to get to the locals, and we have allowed it. We wanted all the conviences of home when we traveled and stayed somewhere. We wanted a warm bed and a hot shower so we let them destroy some of the most beautiful places in the world so we could be cumfy. Maybe if we finally tell them we are going to hold them as accountable as we should hold ourselves we could get things to change. I wouldn't mind roughing it if that was what it took, or staying home and looking at pictures taken by someone who else if I did mind. Not every thing can be at our convience!

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Wendy, Antony France — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 09:21:29 GMT

Great story all around. I agree that tourism is not the best "modernisation" for remote and beautiful areas. Eco-tourism is quite different, attracting people that do respect what they are seeing and tend to develop a strong desire to protect any enviroment they've visited via donations etc. The kind of overbuilt tourism that has afflicted the average beautiful pacific island though would probably not work in extremely remote Amazon jungle, thankfully. But the indigenous folk in the jungle should be the same to decide whether they would like to embrace any such attention, and none other.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Louis V, New York, NY — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:24:27 GMT

It's great to say that the simple Amazonian life is idyllic, beautiful and peaceful from the comfort of our nice air-conditioned homes that are right down the street from all the conveniences, that although some bemoan, we all freely utilize. What is stopping you from leaving all this behind and moving to Brazil to live in the Amazon?

Those of you who decry all the crimes commited by imperialist tourists, are the same ones who unilaterally decided (because you know better) that these people should continue their existance as it is today with no chance or progress. What some of you view as exploitation, the local residents see as an opportunity to better their lives. Did you not read all the benefits they are deriving from the tourists? Such a paternalistic view.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Richard Bruce, Davis, CA — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:38:48 GMT

The macaques are a group of old world monkey's, and I do not think they make good pets for pretty little girls or anyone else. The monkey is a South American monkey and is not a macaque. This note from Davis, California, the city of unnecessary corrections. If you want to correct me try geocities.com/richleebruce

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

lester lasa hialeah florida — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 10:02:20 GMT

wow really cool i live in miami fl. and sometimes i get to swim with the dolphins mostly in naples fl. cool thanks great story

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Lori Wick — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 19:51:48 GMT

This was a great story. But instead of learning from it alot of people had thought negatively about it. The story isn't about how some people throw trash on the ground or pollute everything. The story is about pink dolphins and people from another culture. If more parents had taught their children to pick up after themselves and not taught them to drop things on the ground and not to pick them up. We wouldn't have a problem. But many times I have seen people throw trash from their car. If you are worried about everyone destroying the environment, start at home and teach your kids to pick it up. The world isn't our trash grounds.So if you want to go there to see that part of the world, DO IT. Just be clean about it. Lori from minnesota

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

lola, potdam, germany — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 03:25:15 GMT

doesn't anyone have anything better to do than respond to an article via the internet? i suppose i am taking my time as well - but geez... silly lazy americans!!

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Rob Hill — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 08:48:33 GMT

This may sound awful, but I can't help but wonder if pink dolphen tastes like chicken.

Pink dolphins of the Amazon

Ren Rutledge Norwich, Connecticut — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:30:48 GMT

Thank you for allowing us a peek into the lives of these beautiful people.

We here in America could learn many things about good living from those folks if we had time to let them teach us.