After becoming beached on the foreshore near Wandsworth Bridge
Taking care not to get too close, Marine 2 got a tantalising glimpse of the Thames #Dolphin at Wandsworth this morning. #London #wildlife pic.twitter.com/qGN7H0m4Kq
— MPSonthewater (@MPSonthewater) November 5, 2017
The 'Thames Dolphin' has died after it became beached on the foreshore this Tuesday (7 November) near Wandsworth Bridge. It had been seen between Hammersmith and Kew Bridges on 30 October and then later in the week further east at Battersea.
The Metropolitan Police’s Marine Policing Unit has confirmed the death and the body will now be examined by marine experts at the Zoological Society of London.
The police are also asking people to watch out for any other dolphins that may have swum up the river and report them as soon as possible.
MPSonthewater said on Twitter, "Sad to tell you that a dead Common #Dolphin was washed up on the foreshore at Wandsworth. Our friends at @ZSLMarine will carry out tests to determine why it was in fresh water. There may be others so keep an eye out & report any sightings."
Dolphin sightings on the Thames are not unusual but more rare this far up. River users often report seeing small dolphins or possibly porpoises following their boats.
Anyone with concerns regarding a specific marine animal can contact British Divers Marine Life Rescue directly on 01825 765546 or 07787 433412 (out of hours).
November 9, 2017
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