The Forgotten Tales of the Chinese White Dolphins

By Dr. Connie, Marine Science Team of HKMM

Cultural Significance — Our Auspicious Mascot

Chinese White Dolphin, with its joyful elegance and friendly nature, is regarded as a blessing from the sea and a symbol of good fortune. It was chosen as the mascot for Hong Kong’s handover, representing prosperity and happiness. More recently, it became the focus again at the 15th National Games, appearing as the mascots “Xiyangyang” and “Lerongrong,” conveying the message of harmony between humans and nature. In Taiwan, fishermen call them “Mazu Fish”, likely because around the time of Mazu’s birthday in the third lunar month, these dolphins are more easily spotted when the sea is calm, as if celebrating Mazu’s birthday and safeguarding fishermen’s safe return. These stories are not just legends—they remind us that protecting the ocean means protecting culture and hope.

The Chinese White Dolphin Mascots for the 15th National Games, Xiyangyang and Lerongrong. Source: info.gov.hk

Ecology and Distribution — Our Pink Neighbours

Chinese White Dolphin, also known as the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis), gets its name from its distinct, long, thin beak and the hump on its back. Its body colour varies by region and age: newborns are dark grey, gradually turning white or pink as they grow, though some adults may retain grey spots. You may ask why the pink body colour? Find the answer by watching “Ocean Guardians Series”, the animation produced by the museum.

Adult Chinese White Dolphin of pink colour and a calf which is dark grey. Source: Gomen SEE

These dolphins mainly inhabit the Pearl River Estuary and the eastern Taiwan Strait, preferring warm waters. Around 2,500 individuals reside in the Pearl River Estuary, including Hong Kong’s western waters. They play an important ecological role in maintaining the balance of the food chain and safeguarding ocean health. Living in groups, they display diverse behaviours and have fascinating habits, occasionally performing leaps. Their diet consists mainly of small fish such as yellow croaker, and some smarter dolphins even follow fishing boats to catch “escaped fish”.

Chinese White Dolphins live in groups and display diverse behaviours. Source: Gomen SEE

Our Relationship — How Can We Help the Dolphins?

Chinese White Dolphins are facing a survival crisis. Globally, the species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, and the population in the eastern Taiwan Strait is Critically Endangered. Their habitats are being destroyed, affected by marine pollution, heavy vessel traffic, and declining fishery resources. Stranded individuals are often entangled in abandoned fishing nets or gear, known as “ghost nets.” All these threats are linked to human activities.

Protecting Chinese White Dolphin requires collective effort! The governments of mainland China and Hong Kong have implemented multiple measures, including protecting the habitats and the species by marine protected areas and law enforcement. Researchers and conservation teams continuously monitor populations and use advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to identify individuals and build database for analysis. At the same time, investigations into stranding data and incidents caused by human activities help identify problems and develop solutions, alongside public education campaigns.

Everyone can contribute to protecting the ocean and these “National Treasures of the Sea”. Simple actions in daily life—such as reducing plastic use, participating in beach cleanups, and supporting conservation work—are things we can all do. Imagine if everyone took action: the ocean would become cleaner, and public awareness of conservation would spread. Let’s join hands to protect the ocean, so that we and future generations can live alongside these pink neighbours and celebrate their “charming pink faces”!

A Chinese white dolphin was observed with a rope entangled around its neck. Source: Gomen SEE

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Ocean Guardians Series - Embark on an underwater adventure in Hong Kong with Dr. Connie  

Follow Dr. Connie (Head of Marine Discovery Centre) and her marine friends as they dive into exciting underwater missions. Along the journey, Dr. Connie interacts with various local sea creatures and uses special magic tools to carry out rescue operations. The story highlights the impact of human activities on the marine environment, inspiring audiences to reflect and take action to protect our precious oceans.  

In this episode of Ocean Guardians Series, Dr. Connie received an urgent case that the Chinese White Dolphin parents can't find their son, Cotton! The noise from marine traffic is too loud. They can't locate Cotton even with echolocation. Follow Dr. Connie to see how she helps the Chinese White Dolphin find their son!