Dozens of dolphins swim off the coast of Staten Island, delighting the locals

A team of scientists led by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is tracking dolphins to help protect local wildlife in urban areas. A study published last summer found that New York Harbor is a favorite spot for bottlenose dolphins, and it’s no surprise that New Yorkers regularly spot dolphins swimming in the East and Hudson Rivers. This time the dolphins were spotted near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

On July 15, at about 7:30 a.m., Staten Islander Vincent Savino was fishing near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. He was impressed when dozens of dolphins greeted him.

“I have been fishing in these waters since my early childhood, I have never seen anything like this in my life,” the man said.

The spectacle, which was staged by the dolphins, according to Savino, lasted from 20 to 30 minutes.

“It was cool because it was like a dolphin organized breakfast, these mammals are really smart,” the man added. “Some used to toss the fish with their tails, while others caught the fish with their mouths as they fell back into the water.”

Surprisingly, dolphins aren’t the only sea creatures to frequent Staten Island’s waters lately.

On July 15, TikTok user @rpepee posted a video of a minke whale calf emerging from the water right next to his boat while “cruising from South Beat to Midland Beach,” the caption reads. The whale was reported to have fed on small bait.

@rpepee #whalesightingnyc Saw this Minke whale Calf, cruising South Beach to Midland Beach, feeding on small baitfish. The whale looked very happy and healthy i might add! #nyc #whale #fishing ♬ original sound – Pepe

The return of dolphins and whales to New York is good news, according to the New York City Parks Department. This shows that years of efforts to restore rivers as healthy habitats are working.