Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Venice Dolphin 'Mimmo' Delights Tourists, Worries Experts
Imagine a friendly dolphin decided to visit Venice, a city with lots of boats!
This dolphin, called Mimmo, loves swimming around a famous square called St. Mark's.
Tourists think Mimmo is super cool and fun to see.
But, people who study dolphins are a little worried.
Venice has many boats, like water buses and taxis, zooming around.
They are scared Mimmo might get hurt by a boat's big spinning propeller.
Mimmo doesn't seem to mind the noisy boats and lots of people.
Experts don't know how to help Mimmo go back to the big, open ocean safely.
They hope that when it gets colder and there are fewer fish, Mimmo might decide to swim away on its own.
A wild dolphin, nicknamed 'Mimmo', is frequently seen in Venice's lagoon near St. Mark's Square.
The dolphin captivates tourists but concerns experts due to the heavy boat traffic in the area.
Mimmo remains near St. Mark's even after feeding and appears unfazed by noise and crowds.
Experts fear the dolphin could be injured by boat propellers and are monitoring its movements.
Officials are unsure how to encourage Mimmo to leave the lagoon, hoping the onset of winter may prompt its return to the open sea.
- Who
- A wild dolphin nicknamed 'Mimmo'
- What
- Became a regular visitor in Venice's lagoon, delighting tourists but raising safety concerns among experts due to heavy marine traffic.
- When
- Since late June, becoming a regular visitor last month.
- Where
- Venice lagoon, particularly near St. Mark's Square.
- Why
- The dolphin's unusual presence and proximity to busy waters pose a risk of injury from boat propellers, prompting expert monitoring and concern.
Tourist Attraction
Expert Concerns
Dolphin's Behavior
Tourist Attraction
The dolphin, nicknamed 'Mimmo', is captivating tourists and has become a regular visitor near St. Mark's Square, appearing unfazed by boat noise and crowds.
Expert Concerns
Experts are worried because the dolphin remains near St. Mark's even after feeding and shows no fear of the busy marine traffic, potentially increasing risk.
Encouraging Departure
Tourist Attraction
The dolphin appears determined to stay and is capable of leaving, but can return quickly, suggesting it is not easily influenced.
Expert Concerns
Experts are uncertain how to encourage the dolphin to leave the lagoon, as there is no way to force it away and attempts to escort it have proven ineffective.
- Dolphin's Nickname
- Mimmo
- Location
- Venice lagoon, St. Mark's Basin
- First Sighting (approx.)
- Late June
- Expert Monitoring
- Luca Mizzan, head of Venice's Natural History Museum
- Potential Departure Factor
- Approach of winter reducing fish availability