A dolphin named Mimmo has taken residence in Venice, captivating both tourists and locals, but its close interactions with humans pose serious risks.
Mimmo, an acrobatic and skittish dolphin, has become a beloved figure in Venice since being spotted in June 2025, performing jumps in front of the city's iconic landmarks. However, this attention has not come without consequences, as human interactions have escalated, with visitors attempting to feed and touch the dolphin, as well as engaging in risky boat maneuvers to get closer to it. A recent study published in the scientific journal Frontiers indicates that such behavior has increased the level of disturbance to the dolphin and raised concerns about potential collisions with boats and propellers as well as the risk of habituation to human presence.
