Humans Pose Greatest Risk to Venice's Celebrity Dolphin, Study Finds

Italy - Ekhbary News Agency

Humans Pose Greatest Risk to Venice's Celebrity Dolphin, Study Finds

Venice, Italy – The iconic city of Venice, famed for its intricate canals and gondolas, has become an unlikely sanctuary for a solitary bottlenose dolphin, affectionately nicknamed 'Mimmo.' First spotted in the Venetian Lagoon in the summer of 2025, Mimmo's presence has provided a unique opportunity for local researchers to study the behavior and adaptation of this marine mammal in an urban environment. Their comprehensive findings, detailed in a study released today in the journal Frontiers in Ethology, offer critical insights into conservation methods necessary to safeguard Mimmo from potential harm.

“We present the case of one of the most charismatic animals in one of the most iconic cities: a solitary dolphin in Venice,” stated Dr. Guido Pietroluongo, a co-author of the study and a conservation veterinary pathologist at the Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science at the University of Padova. In a press release, he elaborated, “Our observations document this animal’s remarkable adaptation to an unusual context and highlight the need to manage human behavior to ensure its welfare.”

Bottlenose dolphins typically inhabit small to medium-sized social groups, frequenting coastal and open-sea waters. Occasionally, an individual dolphin may separate from its pod and venture towards coastal human settlements. While instances of dolphins entering urbanized aquatic areas are documented, scientists are keen to understand the underlying drivers of such behavior to implement effective protection strategies.

Historically, both common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins were abundant in the Adriatic Sea, including the Venetian Lagoon. However, human impact led to the near disappearance of common dolphins before the 1970s. Bottlenose dolphins, generally more resilient and adaptable, still inhabit the Adriatic but have recently shown a tendency to avoid lagoon environments.

Since Mimmo's appearance in June 2025, researchers have conducted weekly monitoring from boats. Over several months, the dolphin has navigated from the lagoon's southern reaches northward, settling closer to the city of Venice itself. Despite the unusual setting, the research team notes that dolphins are inherently adaptable. “Observing bottlenose dolphins in urban areas is not particularly surprising, as they are extremely adaptable and opportunistic marine mammals,” explained Dr. Pietroluongo. “Mimmo appears healthy and is regularly observed feeding on mullets. Since his arrival in the lagoon, any behavior displayed has been typical of the species.”

However, Mimmo’s proximity to the San Marco Basin, situated directly in front of St. Mark's Square—Venice's most bustling tourist hub—raises significant concerns. This high-traffic area poses multiple risks, including a heightened danger of injury from boat propellers due to increased vessel movement. While acknowledging that dolphins in open waters also face substantial threats, primarily from fishing activities, the researchers identify human interaction within the lagoon as the most immediate danger for Mimmo.

“In Venice specifically, humans pose the greatest danger to the dolphin, particularly through irresponsible boat driving,” the study emphasizes. The implementation of speed limits and restrictions on how close boats can approach the animal is deemed crucial for Mimmo’s safety. Dr. Giovanni Bearzi, a seasoned researcher of Adriatic dolphins for four decades and a co-author, stressed, “This situation is primarily about managing human behavior rather than managing the dolphin.” He added, “Recognizing the priority of safeguarding a protected species, treating it as a wild animal, and behaving in an informed, aware, and responsible way is key in wildlife management.”

Attempts to guide Mimmo back to open waters using acoustic deterrents proved unsuccessful. Furthermore, capturing the dolphin for relocation carries risks that outweigh potential benefits, according to the research team. They advocate for conservation efforts to be guided by scientific expertise, not sensationalism, and to include a ban on harmful interactions. Strict enforcement of existing regulations, which prohibit disturbing protected wildlife, including attempts to touch or feed them, is paramount.

“What is truly unusual is not the dolphin’s presence, but the persistent difficulty humans have in respecting such animals today,” concluded Dr. Bearzi. “We need to appreciate the opportunities to coexist with and enjoy wildlife. Historical and contemporary documentation clearly shows that dolphins have accompanied human maritime activities for millennia, yet we still struggle to coexist with them appropriately.” The story of Mimmo in Venice serves as a potent reminder of the impact human actions have on marine life and the urgent need for responsible coexistence.

Ekhbary News Agency