A remarkable event unfolded in west London recently as a dolphin was spotted gracefully swimming in the River Thames. According to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), the dolphin, affectionately named Jo Jo, was seen gliding between the Hammersmith and Putney bridges. This occurrence marks the fourth time this year that a dolphin has ventured into the London stretch of the Thames.
While it is not uncommon to encounter dolphins near the Thames Estuary, where the river meets the North Sea, the presence of these intelligent marine mammals in central London is a rarity. Mary Tester, Thames area coordinator at BDMLR, noted that witnessing dolphins in the heart of the city is “something else.”
Luke Denne, a journalist at the Climate Centre, stumbled upon this magnificent scene while filming a piece on water quality in the River Thames. Denne expressed his surprise at encountering a dolphin so far downstream. Concerned for the dolphin’s well-being, he promptly notified the BDMLR, an organization dedicated to safeguarding dolphins and other marine life.
Reiterating Tester’s observations, Denne shared the variety of theories surrounding this unusual phenomenon. One possibility is the increasing number of wind farms in the North Sea, as similar trends have been observed in Scotland. These offshore structures may be altering the dolphins’ migratory patterns or influencing their search for food.
The presence of Jo Jo in the heart of London serves as a captivating reminder of the profound connection between humans and marine life. As we continue to explore and understand this symbiotic relationship, it is essential to monitor and protect these magnificent creatures that enchant us with their presence in unexpected places.