London, August 3, 2024 — A dolphin has made an unexpected appearance in the River Thames, delighting both locals and marine enthusiasts.
The dolphin, a common species believed to be a common dolphin, was spotted swimming between the Hammersmith and Putney bridges on Thursday evening.
The marine mammal, affectionately nicknamed Jo Jo, is the latest in a series of dolphin sightings in the London stretch of the Thames this year.
Mary Tester, Thames area coordinator with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), confirmed that this was the fourth sighting of a dolphin in the London section of the Thames in 2024.
She described it as “totally normal” for dolphins to be seen in the Thames Estuary, which is closer to their natural habitat in the North Sea. However, she emphasized that sightings within the city itself are more unusual.
The sighting was first reported by Luke Denne, a journalist from the Climate Centre, who was filming a piece on water quality in the Thames when he spotted Jo Jo.
Denne expressed his surprise at seeing the dolphin so far down the river, stating it was an unexpected and rare sight.
Following the sighting, Denne contacted the BDMLR, which is responsible for tracking dolphins and other marine life that may be in distress. Tester noted that while dolphins are occasionally seen in the Thames, it is less common for them to venture so far upstream.
There are several theories about why dolphins are appearing more frequently in the Thames.
Tester suggested that increased wind farm activity in the North Sea might be causing displacement of marine mammals, a phenomenon previously observed in Scotland.
Additionally, improved water quality in the Thames over recent years could be attracting dolphins by enhancing the availability of prey.
However, Tester also cautioned that the river’s noisy environment and its complex bends could impact the dolphins‘ echolocation abilities, potentially complicating their navigation.
Despite the excitement, Tester highlighted concerns for the dolphin’s well-being.
Previous dolphins spotted in the area did not survive, but Tester expressed hope that Jo Jo might have successfully navigated back to the estuary, particularly after a reported sighting in Gravesend, Kent.
The Port of London Authority (PLA) shared a photo on social media of a dolphin in Gravesend Reach, though it has not been confirmed whether it was Jo Jo.
The public is advised to report any dolphin sightings to the BDMLR and avoid approaching them with boats or canoes. Tester emphasized the importance of allowing dolphins to navigate the river without additional stress or interference.
As the Thames continues to be a site for such remarkable sightings, marine experts and the public alike remain hopeful for positive outcomes for these fascinating creatures.
The appearance of Jo Jo serves as a reminder of the dynamic and often surprising interactions between urban environments and wildlife.
