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Protect Mimmo the Dolphin From Deadly Boats and Tourist Harassment

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Sponsor: Free The Ocean

Mimmo survived in Venice’s busy lagoon so far, but without immediate protection, one reckless boat or tourist could end his life.

Protect Mimmo the Dolphin From Deadly Boats and Tourist Harassment

Mimmo, a wild bottlenose dolphin, has become an unexpected presence in the Venetian Lagoon. He appears healthy, eats well, and has adapted to the area, but that does not mean he is safe.12 His home now overlaps with one of the most crowded and heavily trafficked stretches of water in Venice.

Boat Traffic and Tourist Behavior Put Him at Risk

Scientists and animal advocates warn that Mimmo’s greatest danger is not the lagoon itself. It is human behavior.1 St. Mark’s Basin fills with ferries, water buses, taxis, and private boats. As Mimmo’s fame has grown, so has the pressure around him. Reports describe boats approaching too closely, tourists chasing him for photos, and growing concern that people see him as an attraction instead of a protected wild animal.3 

The Warning Signs Are Already Here

Experts have already confirmed superficial injuries that were likely caused by a boat propeller.4 That should be enough to trigger stronger action now. Researchers monitoring Mimmo say he shows normal behavior and remains in good physical condition, but they also stress that humans must be managed if he is to stay safe.2

Venice Must Act Before This Gets Worse

Venice and Italian officials should establish and enforce safe-distance rules, lower boat speeds in key areas, increase on-water oversight, and stop harassment before Mimmo suffers a more serious injury. A wild dolphin should not have to survive crowds, propellers, and reckless curiosity alone.

Sign the petition to call for immediate protections for Mimmo before a preventable tragedy strikes.

More on this issue:

  1. Angela Giuffrida, The Guardian (25 February 2026), "Humans – not Mimmo the dolphin – need managing in Venice lagoon, say scientists."
  2. Margaux Dodds, Marine Connection (5 March 2026), "Venice’s Solitary Dolphin: Mimmo."
  3. Allan Kaval, Le Monde (13 November 2025), "Mimmo the dolphin, Venice's latest attraction."
  4. Colleen Barry, AP News (18 November 2025), "Venice’s newest marvel is a wild, acrobatic dolphin. His refusal to leave puts him in danger."

The Petition

To the Members of the Venice City Council, Members of the Veneto Regional Council, and the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security,

We, the undersigned, ask you to take immediate action to protect Mimmo, the wild bottlenose dolphin living in the Venetian Lagoon.

Mimmo has captured public attention because he is beautiful, visible, and unusually close to daily life in Venice. But his growing fame has also placed him in danger. He now moves through waters crowded with ferries, water buses, taxis, private boats, and tourists eager to approach him. This is not a harmless spectacle. It is a high-risk situation for a protected wild animal.

Experts monitoring Mimmo have reported that he appears healthy and continues to feed normally. Yet they have also warned that the real threat comes from human behavior. Reports of boats moving too close, tourists pursuing him for photographs, and confirmed superficial injuries likely caused by a boat propeller make clear that the current situation is unacceptable.

We urge you to adopt and enforce strong protections without delay. Those measures should include a clearly defined protected zone in the areas Mimmo frequents most, enforceable speed restrictions for vessels, active on-water monitoring, public education for residents and visitors, and meaningful penalties for harassment, unsafe approach, or other conduct that puts this dolphin at risk.

This response should be rooted in humanity and compassion. Wild animals are not entertainment. They are living beings with needs, limits, and a right to exist without being chased, cornered, struck, or stressed by human activity. Mimmo’s presence in Venice is not an invitation for closer contact. It is a test of whether people and institutions can act responsibly when a vulnerable animal enters a human-dominated space.

Venice has an opportunity to lead with care, restraint, and common sense. Protecting Mimmo now could prevent severe injury or death and set a stronger example for how solitary marine mammals should be treated in heavily trafficked coastal environments.

Please act now to put enforceable protections in place for Mimmo before another preventable incident occurs. These actions will ensure a better future for all.

Sincerely,

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