Two Dolphins Found Dead in River Thames
- Two dolphins were discovered dead along the banks of the River Thames in Battersea and Greenwich.
- The circumstances surrounding their deaths are not yet clear, prompting concerns over the health of the river.
- This tragic incident highlights the ongoing environmental issues facing urban waterways.
A dolphin has been discovered dead on the banks of the Thames in west London, following recent sightings of dolphins in the river. Mary Tester, the Thames area coordinator for the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), indicated that two deceased dolphins found in the area may belong to the same pod. This unusual occurrence marks a significant deviation from typical dolphin sightings, which usually occur around Greenwich or Canary Wharf. The recent dolphin activity began with two dolphins spotted near Canary Wharf, leading to the sighting of another dolphin, referred to as Jo Jo. The BDMLR is collaborating with the Cetaceans Stranding Investigation Programme to recover the deceased animal. Volunteers from the BDMLR, trained to assist stranded marine mammals, are now seeking permission to help any dolphins that may be in distress in the Thames. Luke Denne, a journalist from the Climate Centre, reported seeing a dolphin while filming a story about water quality in the river. He promptly contacted the BDMLR to report the sighting, highlighting the organization's role in monitoring marine life in potential danger. Tester noted that there are various theories regarding the dolphins' presence in the river, suggesting that increased noise levels in the water could be a contributing factor. Jo Jo was last seen swimming towards Chelsea, but its whereabouts remain unknown as of Thursday evening. The situation has raised alarms among marine conservationists and local residents alike.