Venice - A dolphin swimming between gondolas and vaporetti in the world-famous St. Mark's Basin has been a source of fascination in Venice since the summer. The animal, a bottlenose dolphin, has been christened „Mimmo“ by locals. First spotted in June, it spends an unusually long time in the busy canals. But what began as a sensation is turning into a serious problem for the animal.
As photos and videos of the leaping dolphin go viral on social networks, biologists are becoming increasingly concerned. Experts from the Venice Natural History Museum and the animal welfare organization CERT Padua are monitoring „Mimmo“ closely. They confirm that the dolphin is in good health and apparently in the lagoon voluntarily. Nevertheless, the situation is highly problematic.
Dolphins are not uncommon in the lagoon, as researchers and fishermen know. The anomaly in the case of „Mimmo“ is that he lives permanently in such a noisy and heavily trafficked area.
Experts demand respect: „Stop selfies“
The main problem is the behavior of tourists and onlookers. Luca Mizzian, Director of the Natural History Museum, urgently appeals to the public to keep their distance. It is recommended to keep a distance of at least 50 meters. „We ask people not to try to approach it, feed it or interact with it,“ says Mizzian.
There have already been reports of boats coming dangerously close to the animal for selfies or people throwing balls at it. Organized boat tours to see „Mimmo“ are now also offered. The heavy traffic and boat propellers are a considerable source of stress and a deadly danger.
It is unclear why „Mimmo“ prefers the noisy lagoon to the open sea. Researchers are now investigating the use of acoustic devices to keep him away from the most dangerous routes. Until then, the urgent appeal is: observing the dolphin is a privilege, protecting it is a duty.
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