Dolphin spotted in Venice Grand Canal near Rialto Bridge

dolphin sighting Grand Canal Rialto Bridge Venice lagoon marine life protection

A dolphin has been spotted swimming in Venice’s Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge, drawing significant attention from residents and tourists. Video footage shared by Mayor Simone Venturini shows the marine mammal surfacing repeatedly amidst heavy water traffic, including gondolas, water taxis, and motorboats.

Authorities are uncertain if the animal is Mimmo (also known as Nane), a bottlenose dolphin that has been a frequent presence in the San Marco basin since last summer. If it is Mimmo, the sighting indicates the animal has moved into the narrower and more dangerous central canal. Experts from the Natural History Museum of Venice have been monitoring the dolphin, noting that while it appears skilled at navigating boat traffic, it has previously sustained injuries potentially caused by boat propellers.

Mayor Venturini has issued an urgent plea to all vessel operators to exercise extreme caution and reduce speeds to protect the animal’s safety. The priority for local authorities is ensuring the dolphin’s well-being as it navigates one of the city’s most congested maritime routes.

Entities

Grand Canal · Natural History Museum of Venice · Rialto Bridge · Simone Venturini · Venice

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Researchers and media refer to the dolphin as Mimo, while locals call it Nane. www.naftemporiki.gr · www.businessdaily.gr · www.cnn.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The dolphin was also identified in the Grand Canal, the city's main 3.8-kilometer waterway. www.naftemporiki.gr · www.businessdaily.gr · www.cnn.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] A dolphin was spotted swimming in the waters of the Venice lagoon, near the famous Rialto Bridge. www.naftemporiki.gr · www.businessdaily.gr · www.cnn.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Mayor Venturini called for maximum caution from boat operators to protect the animal's safety. www.naftemporiki.gr · www.businessdaily.gr · www.cnn.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The dolphin was seen swimming among gondolas, water taxis, and motorized boats. www.naftemporiki.gr · www.businessdaily.gr · www.cnn.gr