A dolphin known as Mimo has become a regular — and much-loved — visitor to Venice’s lagoon, particularly around St. Mark’s Square, where tourists flock to catch a glimpse, Reuters reports.
Dolphins are rarely seen in Venice’s UNESCO-listed lagoon. The last sightings date back to March 2021, when reduced boat traffic during COVID-19 lockdowns allowed marine life to resurface.
According to marine biologist Luca Mizzan, director of Venice’s Natural History Museum, Mimo likely entered the lagoon in late June while searching for food. Despite the intense traffic of water taxis, ferries, and gondolas, the dolphin has skillfully avoided collisions and appears undisturbed by the crowds.
“The unusual thing,” Mizzan told Italy’s public broadcaster RAI, “is that he stays near San Marco even after feeding — he seems completely at ease with the noise and people.”
Experts believe the approaching winter, which usually drives fish away, may eventually encourage Mimo to return to open sea. For now, though, there’s no way to safely guide him out of the city’s waters.
