Let’s face it: when it comes to the popularity of animals, looks are often everything. Take the panda, dearly adored around the world. It is hard to imagine such popularity without its cuddly appearance and unusual black and white coat. Similarly, Hong Kong’s group of Chinese white dolphins – also called Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins – never fail to make an impression with their bubblegum pink colour. It is rare to see such wildlife in a bustling city, especially specimens of such striking exoticism.

The Chinese white dolphin has attained celebrity status in Hong Kong. It was chosen as the official mascot of the 1997 ceremonies marking the handover from British to Chinese rule, which undoubtedly had something to do with its unexpected colouring. The calves are born with dark grey skin which gradually fades into splotchy patches until it becomes mostly pink. No one is certain why they take on this unusual hue but one theory is that the blood vessels near the skin dilate while swimming to release heat, causing a bright flush.

In 1993, Hong Kong’s dolphins started to receive a lot of attention when conservation groups alerted the public to the dangers of constructing the new Chek Lap Kok airport on Lantau Island. The concern was over the effects that the construction would have on these creatures and their survival. The airport was completed in 1998 and a significant portion of the dolphins’ habitat was lost due to reclamation, while the effects of pollution, heightened noise levels, overfishing and traversing boats are continuing concerns.

There are still roughly 200 dolphins swimming in Hong Kong waters today, and their numbers have remained stable over the past decade. The dolphins are protected by law – it is illegal to harass, harm, capture or kill them. The government has also designated various areas as marine parks due to their particularly abundant marine life. In these areas, vessels must slow to 10 knots and bottom trawling is prohibited to help protect reefs, dolphins and other wildlife.

The dolphins appear mostly off the north, west and south coasts of Lantau Island, and one of the best places to see them is Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park to the north-west of Lantau. While some independent boat owners offer rides for a small fee to catch a glimpse of the dolphins, these unregulated operators may actually disrupt and threaten them. There are a few established and experienced dolphin-watching tours in operation and these are your best bet to see the pink mammals in action.