'Pandas of the sea': Chinese white dolphins spotted in south China

Recently, groups of Chinese white dolphins were spotted swimming playfully in the waters near Gulangyu Island, located off the coast of Xiamen City in southeast China's Fujian Province.

Known as the "giant pandas of the sea," the Chinese white dolphin is under first-class state protection in China and is classified as "vulnerable" by the IUCN Red List.

These nearshore marine mammals are mainly distributed along the coasts of south China's Guangdong Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Hainan Province. They are highly sensitive to changes in marine water quality, and their population and distribution serve as key indicators of the ocean's ecological health, including water quality and fishery resources.

In recent years, the coastal ecosystem of Xiamen has significantly improved, with the local population of Chinese white dolphins rebounding and stabilizing at more than 80 individuals, China Media Group (CMG) reported.

The dolphins undergo a remarkable color transformation throughout their lives: calves are dark grey and gradually reveal a white color with age; adults are covered with grey spots; and older individuals appear creamy white. When swimming, the dolphins develop a distinctive pink hue caused by increased blood flow beneath the skin. Usually, they travel in family groups, maintaining close social bonds.

Inspired by the Chinese Dolphin, the adorable mascots of the 15th National Games, "Xiyangyang" and "Lerongrong," have recently gone viral online, capturing hearts with their playful charm.