Port River dolphin investigation under pressure as ‘baby’ Mimo (Squeak) falls ill

Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary’s “baby of the river” is sick, the fifth dolphin to show signs of a mysterious illness that’s likely killed four others.

Yet another dolphin, the baby of the Port River pod, is suffering from what seems to be the same affliction that caused the demise of four other males this year, including his big brother.

Three-year-old Mimo, also known as Squeak, is losing weight and has visible skin lesions similar to those of his six-year-old brother Hunter, who was controversially euthanised in October.

The August death of 12-year-old dolphin Tallula followed the disappearance of two male dolphins, Doc and Twinkle, in June and July.

The ongoing investigation into the recent deaths and disappearances has expanded to include the possibility pollution has lowered the dolphins’ immunity to infection.

Rangers in the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary have erected signs warning visitors to keep their distance and take caution, because there is an “unwell dolphin in the area”.

Jenni Wyrsta of Port River Dolphin Watch has expressed “grave concern” for Mimo.

“It would seem he has the same disease as the other four,” she said.

“I hope the authorities give him time to recover and do not act too quickly, like they did with his brother Hunter.”

She is “desperate” for the Department of Environment and Water to give authority to the volunteer-based Australian Marine Wildlife Research and Rescue Organisation (AMWRRO) to treat dolphins in the sanctuary, where the rangers are in charge.

Port River dolphin Mimo, also known as Squeak, is the latest to show signs of a mysterious illness. Looking thin on November 11, 2021. Picture: Jenni Wyrsta

A petition to Environment Minister David Speirs asking him to allow AMWRRO to treat all sick, injured and entangled dolphins now has more than 6700 signatures.

“I have sent the Minister a copy of the petition plus signatures and yet, he again has not replied or confirmed he received it,” Ms Wyrsta said.

AMWRRO founder and director of operations, Aaron Machado, said it was impossible to predict “mother nature, or what the Department is going to do”.

Mimo, a Port River dolphin, that was severely entangled in heavy fishing line in 2019. Picture: Jenni Wyrsta

Hunter was euthanised in October. He was a special dolphin born with a deformed jaw that conservationists feared would make fishing and eating difficult for him. Despite this, he thrived and developed his own method of catching fish until he fell ill last month. Picture: Jenni Wyrsta

A public community forum will be held at the Port Adelaide Enfield Council Town Hall Monday night, from 7pm to 9pm.

AMWRRO will then take the feedback to the relevant bodies on behalf of the community.

The health of the Port River pod has been contentious for decades. In 2000 the EPA was ordered to conduct an investigation into contamination, after disturbing levels of heavy metals were discovered in a dolphin autopsy.

In 2019 the state government announced that speed limits in key areas of the 118sq km Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary would be dropped to seven knots after a year-long campaign by The Advertiser, Messenger and the local community. However speeds remain unlimited outside the Adelaide Speedboat Club and in the channel in the Barker Inlet.

The state’s conservation and wildlife director at the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Lisien Loan, said rangers would keep “a close eye” on the unwell dolphin. “Any decision to intervene is guided by expert advice from qualified vets,” she said.