Experts are concerned about dolphin sightings in the River Thames

MEXICO CITY (apro).- A dolphin was spotted in the Thames River in London, England. While it is not unusual to see these marine mammals in the estuary of that river, it is strange for them to appear so close to the North Sea.

The animal, which has been called “Jo Jo” by children, was first spotted by Luke Denne, a journalist with the UK Climate Centre, who spotted the animal while filming a story about water quality in the River Thames.

For her part, Mary Tester, from the Marine Life Rescue diving team, explained that the mammal is an adult, but was alone, which is unusual, and that it looked disoriented and lethargic, which has worried experts even more, since that is not usual for these animals.

WATCH: A dolphin named “Jo Jo” by watching children caused a stir in London on Thursday.

The mammal was spotted dodging rowing boats in Putney, but experts say it’s a “red flag” for them to be spotted this far inland.

???: Alexander Nicoloau for Climate Centre pic.twitter.com/UCESc4MAb6

— Climate Centre (@ClimateCentreUK) August 2, 2024

“Of course we love them very much, but when we see them in the Thames, it’s a red flag,” Tester said. “When they swim that far up the river, it’s a sign of concern.”

So far this year, at least five dolphins have been sighted north of the river estuary, three of which have reached London, but none of those have survived.

“Jo Jo” was last seen on the afternoon of August 1, according to the official statement. On Friday morning, the Port of London Authority announced that rowers from that office had seen a dolphin, but according to Mary Tester, it is difficult to determine if it is the same dolphin, but if it is, it would be good news, she told the BBC.