Two dolphins in the Yarra River delight Melburnians

DON’T believe we have dolphins in the Yarra River? Passers by spotted a pair frolicking in the water this morning — and it’s not as uncommon as you might think. SEE THE VIDEO.

A PAIR of bottle nose dolphins swimming in the Yarra River have delighted people walking past this morning.

The surprising visitors were seen heading down the river towards the city by the Church St Bridge shocking passers-by.

Richmond local Brayden spotted the pair as he was walking into work after 8am.

“They completely took me by surprise,” he told the Herald Sun.

THINGS WE MIGHT SEE IN MELBOURNE IN 2050

SNOOZING SEAL CLOSES MELBOURNE BEACH

WILDLIFE YOU DIDN’T KNOW LIVED IN MELBOURNE

A dolphin surfacing in the Yarra River this morning.

“I quickly whipped out my phone and took some video because I’ve never seen them like that before.

“It was pretty special to see them and it was a nice way to start the day,” Brayden said.

Dolphins in the river isn’t unheard of and this instance certainly wasn’t the first time they’ve been seen according to executive director of the Dolphin Research Institute Jeff Weir said.

“It’s incredibly special to see them in the river but it’s not incredibly uncommon,” Mr Weir said.

A pair of dolphins spotted swimming in the Yarra River this morning.

Another view of the swimming pair.

Sightings are not unheard of.

The pair of bottlenose dolphins were likely drawn to the river because dry conditions meant more salt in the water attracting more fish.

“It means there’s more bream and other fish in the water which would have attracted the dolphins,” he said.

A pair of dolphins were also spotted around Richmond last week and some were seen in the Maribyrnong river yesterday.

“So many waterways around the world are losing their resident dolphins so it’s wonderful to see them in our river,” Mr Weir said.

Jo Richards, Regional Director Melbourne Marine and Maritime, Parks Victoria, said:

We’ve had a couple of sightings of dolphins in the Yarra today — along with this photo sent to us by a member of the public.

“We’re unsure of why they’ve made their way up the Yarra, it only happens every now and then, they could be chasing food. If people see them, they should leave them be and just enjoy seeing them there!”

People have been advised not to get close to the animals and boats and jet skis must stay at least 150m away, an environment department spokesman said.

Anyone who spots the mammals can report their sightings to dolphinresearch.org.au