Common dolphin “Ciao”

– What do we know about her?

Do you remember the common dolphin that appeared in Izola and Koper at the end of last year?

Thanks to your observations and photographs, we were able to track her movements. This dolphin is an approximately three-year-old female common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), first documented by the Morigenos team in May 2022 in the Port of Koper, where she was still accompanied by her mother. After our initial sighting in Koper, we observed them multiple times near Trieste, but in March 2023, they disappeared without a trace. Later, thanks to your reports and photos, we discovered that the young dolphin had also been seen around the Croatian islands of Rab and Krk. In November 2024, she returned to the Gulf of Trieste. Since she has now become a familiar individual, we have named her Ciao. We chose this name based on her character and behavior: as we recently reported, the dolphin had been spending time in marinas, drawing attention with her unusual behavior. She frequently approached various boats and even lifted her tail out of the water. Although Ciao often swims close to the shore and near people, it is essential to ensure that she can live undisturbed in her natural environment. If she reappears, please avoid any interaction – do not attempt to touch, feed, or swim with her.

Ciao with her mother in 2022

Interesting facts about the common dolphin:
Common dolphins were once abundant in the Adriatic Sea but are now extremely rare, mainly due to deliberate eradication in the past century. However, they remain one of the most widespread dolphin species worldwide, as their name suggests. They are highly social animals, typically living in relatively large groups that can sometimes consist of several hundred individuals. These dolphins are capable of traveling vast distances. For example, a female common dolphin we documented in the Gulf of Trieste in 2010 and 2011 had traveled from Greece, covering at least 1,000 km. Compared to bottlenose dolphins, which are the only resident dolphin species in the Gulf of Trieste, common dolphins can be recognized by their slightly smaller body size, longer and narrower beak, and the distinctive yellowish patch on their sides.
Every dolphin sighting contributes to a better understanding of their lives and, consequently, to their conservation. If you spot them, please contact us immediately at +386 31 771 077 and, if possible, send us photos or videos at pr@morigenos.org. Thank you!