Toninas spotted swimming in Lake Maracaibo

A group of toninas, also known as sotalias (Sotalia guianensis), was observed swimming in Lake Maracaibo in the state of Zulia on August 19. The sighting was captured on video by the tourism agency Kapui Tours and has since gained significant attention on social media.

The footage shows the cetaceans moving in a synchronized group through the estuary. Following the release of the video, social media users and conservationists have emphasized the importance of protecting the lake's ecosystem. Experts note that these animals serve as vital biological indicators of the environmental health of the aquatic ecosystem, which currently faces threats from water pollution, vessel traffic, and habitat degradation.