Nat Geo Explorer Dr. Fernando Trujillo has spent more than 30 years researching the Amazon's river dolphins and collaborating with the surrounding communities for their protection
Dr. Fernando Trujillo, has spent more than 30 years researching the river dolphins of South America.
“I was in love with the dolphins. Even now, 35 years after, it’s amazing to find dolphins in the jungle,” Trujillo says. “The dolphins are a key species for people to create empathy and to understand all the problems that the Amazon is facing.” Like the rivers he frequents in his decades-long study of dolphins, Trujillo’s journey has been anything but linear. Even during his most recent research, he broke his shoulder while tagging dolphins. But years before, it was another strenuous moment that changed the trajectory of Trujillo’s career as a conservationist.
“This moment changed my life in many ways, Trujillo says. “It created a very strong bond with the region.”