Dolphin Oliver draws crowds in Novigrad, Croatia

A bottlenose dolphin known as Oliver has become a daily attraction for swimmers in the Novigrad coastal area of Croatia. Local fisherman Dino Bajlo, who records the dolphin’s visits, says Oliver approaches boats, swims alongside people and appears to enjoy human interaction. The dolphin was previously entangled in a rope wrapped around its tail fluke for about two and a half years; the rope was later cut loose, allowing Oliver to return to the sea.

Scientists from the Institute “Blue World” caution visitors to keep a safe distance, noting that dolphins can transmit zoonotic diseases and that accidental contact with a 300‑kilogram animal could cause injury. They advise against feeding or attempting to touch the animal, emphasizing that Oliver is a wild marine mammal that should be observed responsibly.