People are the biggest danger to the dolphin Mimmo.Image: AP Venice Luxury Boat di Penzo G
02/25/2026, 08:4202/25/2026, 09:05
The dolphin Mimmo has become an attraction in Venice. But as adorable as the images of the dolphin are among the gondolas and water taxis typical of the northern Italian city, experts are worried about Mimmo.
The dolphin moves in a hotspot of human activity, which poses several risks for the animal, as a team led by Guido Pietroluongo from the University of Padua explains in the journal “Frontiers in Ethology”. Mimmo has settled in well in the unusual habitat. But the greatest danger to him is people.
Video: watson/Lucas Zollinger
In particular, carelessly controlled boats, excessive speeds and overly intrusive approaches could harm the animal, according to the specialist article. The experts are particularly critical of his repeated stays in the busy basin of San Marco – directly in front of St. Mark’s Square, one of the most visited places in the lagoon city. There is a risk of injuries from propellers or stress from permanent disruptions.
Careless boats could endanger the dolphin Mimmo.Image: imago
The team has been systematically monitoring the dolphin, which lives alone, since its first sighting in June last year. Over several months – until December – the researchers documented its movements in the lagoon. Accordingly, Mimmo regularly feeds on mullets and behaves in a typical manner for its species. Bottlenose dolphins are considered to be particularly adaptable.
Researchers: Control people’s behavior, not dolphins
Historically, both bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), of which Mimmo belongs, and common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) were widespread throughout the Adriatic – including in the Venice Lagoon. While common dolphin populations drastically declined decades ago due to human influences, bottlenose dolphins continue to occur in the Adriatic, but usually avoid the lagoon areas. This is precisely why Mimmo’s permanent presence there is so unusual.
People should adapt their behavior to the dolphin – not the other way around.Image: imago
Respectful treatment of wild animals is essential
From the perspective of Giovanni Bearzi, who was involved in the investigation, the main thing now is to control the behavior of people – not that of the dolphin. Speed limits for boats and clear distance rules are crucial. The research team demands that existing regulations such as the ban on touching and feeding wild animals should be strictly enforced.
Previous attempts to use acoustic signals to drive Mimmo back into the open sea were unsuccessful. Experts consider capturing and relocating them to be risky and not justifiable. Respectful treatment of wild animals is therefore crucial in order not to expose Mimmo to further dangers. (sda/dpa)