This Monday (21), two dolphins were seen swimming in the Venice canal, with the exceptionally calm waters of the famous Grand Canal.
Residents filmed adult and juvenile dolphins hunting for cuttlefish near the St. Mark's Square, at the channel entrance.
“It’s the first time we’ve seen a mother and child in St. Mark’s Square,” said Sandro Mazzariol, an expert at University of Padua.
According to Luca Bizzan, head of Venice Natural History Museum, the appearance was very unusual. “They were clearly encouraged to venture so far into the city by the calm waters of Venice now,” the expert said.
The two dolphins were likely attracted to the canal due to the lack of tourists, cruise ships and motor boats normally found in the area.
The waters are currently much calmer than normal due to restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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