This Thursday, a dolphin, affectionately nicknamed “Jo jo” by local children, was spotted swimming in the Thames River around Hammersmith Bridge and Putney Bridge in London. This sighting, more than 50 km from the river's mouth, has raised significant concerns among marine life experts and conservationists. Images of the dolphin have been widely shared across social media platforms, sparking both excitement and worry among the public.
According to Steve Ormerod, a professor of ecology at Cardiff University, the presence of a dolphin so far upstream is unusual and troubling. He stated, “A dolphin of this type should not be so far away in the Thames, nor alone.” The British Marine Life Rescue Center (BDMLR) has described the dolphin as “extremely disoriented and quite lethargic,” indicating that it may be struggling to navigate its way back to safer waters.
Mary Tester, an expert at the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, calling it a “red flag.” She explained that the dolphin likely swam up the river but lacks the energy to return to its natural habitat. BDMLR has committed to closely monitoring the dolphin's condition and is urging the public to report any sightings of marine mammals in the Thames, with the exception of porpoises and seals.
The UK Climate Center has also expressed alarm over the increasing sightings of dolphins in the Thames, noting that while it is exciting to observe these magnificent creatures, their presence so far inland is concerning. This year alone, at least five pods of dolphins have ventured beyond the estuary into the Thames, but tragically, three of those that reached central London did not survive. Experts are calling for heightened awareness and protection efforts for marine life in urban waterways.
