Venice dolphin: Scientists urge humans need management in lagoon waters

Published: 26 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Italian scientists studying Mimmo, a solitary dolphin in the Venice lagoon, say humans need management, not wildlife. Since its first appearance in June 2025, Mimmo has captured public attention with playful leaps and interactions near crowded canals, prompting both delight and concern among residents and tourists alike. The bottlenose dolphin, typically found in pods, has instead chosen the lagoon’s urban waters, inspiring a “save Mimmo” campaign after fears arose about collisions with boat propellers. Researchers from the University of Padova have meticulously tracked the animal, emphasising the urgent need to regulate human behaviour to ensure the dolphin’s safety.

The study, published in Frontiers in Ethology, details weekly observations of Mimmo across the lagoon, documenting its health, movement patterns, and adaptation to this unusual environment. Guido Pietroluongo, senior author and conservation veterinary pathologist at the University of Padova, described the case as “one of the most charismatic animals in one of the most iconic cities,” highlighting the dolphin’s remarkable capacity to navigate a human-dominated habitat. Pietroluongo noted that while Mimmo’s behaviour aligns with natural species patterns, humans frequently pose the most serious threat through improper boat handling and uncontrolled interactions.

Bottlenose dolphins are commonly found in Italian waters, yet solitary urban sightings like Mimmo’s remain unusual. Scientists have observed other Adriatic dolphins leaving their pods to explore coastal or urban waterways, showing high adaptability and curiosity. Mimmo was first seen by water-taxi driver Manuel Tiffi, who recalled the dolphin swimming directly in front of his bow on 23 June 2025. He reported that water-taxi drivers began sharing sightings to alert one another, but noted the dolphin displayed no fear, often approaching vessels with ease and grace.

Since that first sighting, the University of Padova research team, supported by local authorities and citizens, has monitored Mimmo’s weekly movements. The dolphin travels from the southern to northern reaches of the lagoon, consistently observed feeding on mullets and demonstrating healthy activity levels. Pietroluongo emphasised that the dolphin’s presence in such an urban environment is not inherently surprising, as bottlenose dolphins are highly opportunistic and capable of adapting to changing ecosystems, including human-dominated waterways. Historical records indicate that dolphins have frequented the Venetian lagoon for centuries, suggesting that Mimmo’s behaviour is part of a long tradition of marine coexistence with humans.

Despite Mimmo’s adaptability, the scientists stress that human actions continue to create risks. Inappropriate boat speeds, close encounters, and public attempts to interact with or feed the dolphin can endanger its well-being. Researchers recommend enforceable speed restrictions and clear guidance for vessels to maintain safe distances, ensuring both human and dolphin safety. Giovanni Bearzi, an expert who has studied Adriatic dolphins for forty years, remarked that “the persistent difficulty humans have in respecting such animals today is truly unusual,” underlining the ongoing challenge of achieving harmonious coexistence in urban marine settings.

Public fascination with Mimmo has spurred a broader debate about wildlife management in urban waterways. While tourists and residents celebrate the dolphin’s acrobatics and curiosity, scientists caution against the romanticisation of human-wildlife interactions without consideration of practical safety measures. Media coverage has amplified the story, with social media campaigns and viral videos capturing moments of Mimmo breaching near gondolas or water taxis. These images, while endearing, also highlight the potential for accidents, emphasising the need for controlled and informed engagement with marine animals.

The research team documented Mimmo’s weekly movements and feeding patterns, noting the dolphin’s consistent use of specific lagoon areas for foraging. These observations help clarify how urban-adapted dolphins navigate complex waterways while avoiding threats. The study additionally notes that bottlenose dolphins in urban environments tend to exhibit behaviours similar to their wild counterparts, demonstrating social learning, environmental awareness, and opportunistic feeding strategies. Mimmo’s interactions with boats, both curious and cautious, exemplify this adaptability while simultaneously serving as a reminder of human responsibility in shared habitats.

Environmental activists have used Mimmo’s presence to advocate for stricter regulation of the Venice lagoon’s waterways. Campaigners highlight the need for speed limits, protective zones, and public education on responsible wildlife observation. Scientists concur that without intervention, human actions could jeopardise the health and safety of dolphins and other marine species inhabiting these canals. The study underlines that the greatest risk does not stem from the dolphin itself, but from inadequate management of human behaviour, which remains the central challenge in fostering sustainable urban-wildlife coexistence.

Mimmo’s story also sheds light on broader ecological concerns. Urban dolphins face pressures from pollution, boat traffic, and habitat fragmentation, requiring comprehensive strategies to maintain safe corridors and feeding grounds. Scientists encourage policies that integrate conservation with urban planning, balancing the needs of local communities, tourists, and wildlife. By implementing practical measures, authorities can mitigate risks while allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the rare opportunity of witnessing a wild dolphin thriving in Venice’s canals.

The University of Padova team stresses that Mimmo’s presence is an opportunity for education and awareness rather than alarm. Through structured observation programs and public engagement, citizens can learn about marine behaviour, species needs, and responsible interaction. The research highlights that bottlenose dolphins’ intelligence and curiosity make them highly visible indicators of ecosystem health, underscoring the importance of informed stewardship. By observing, documenting, and protecting Mimmo, scientists hope to model coexistence practices applicable to urban waterways around the world.

In conclusion, Mimmo serves as a living example of the complex relationship between humans and wildlife in urban environments. Italian scientists urge that management efforts focus not on controlling the dolphin, but on regulating human behaviour and waterway activity. By balancing public interest with rigorous conservation measures, Venice can ensure that dolphins like Mimmo continue to navigate its canals safely, while simultaneously educating the public about the importance of coexistence and responsible behaviour in shared ecosystems.

The story of Mimmo is a reminder that urban wildlife is adaptable, yet vulnerable to human influence, requiring proactive management and public cooperation. Venice’s experience demonstrates that charismatic animals can inspire affection and admiration, but also necessitate careful regulation to prevent harm. As bottlenose dolphins continue to explore human-dominated waters, the responsibility rests with humans to create safe, respectful environments that allow such species to thrive.

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