The bottlenose dolphin was spotted swimming in the Venetian Lagoon in summer 2025, and local researchers jumped on the opportunity to study the mammal. Two dolphin species—common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins—used to be abundant throughout the Adriatic Sea, including in the Venetian Lagoon. As a species, bottlenose dolphins are generally more adaptable and resilient than common dolphins and still occur in the Adriatic Sea. “Observing bottlenose dolphins in urban areas is not particularly surprising, as they are extremely adaptable and opportunistic marine mammals,” said Pietroluongo. Since his arrival in the lagoon, any behavior displayed has been typical of the species.”The solo bottlenose dolphin was spotted in June 2025.