Exclusive: Reggie, a lone bottlenose dolphin, has shown an alarming change in behaviour since he first joined swimmers for an early morning dip this month in Lyme Bay, Dorset
He was the UK’s friendliest dolphin, joining swimmers off the Dorset coast and even demanding belly rubs – but the animal’s behaviour soon changed after he “tried to down” two women.
Reggie, the lone bottlenose dolphin, has shown a rapid change in behaviour since he first joined a family for an early morning dip earlier this month in Lyme Bay, Dorset.
Just last Thursday, two kayakers had to step in after the dolphin started jumping on top of a woman. Rhys Paterson claimed that the mammal seemed to be “targeting women in wetsuits. “The dolphin was basically drowning this woman – it kind of jumped on her back four times”, he said.
This led expert to urge tourists to keep their distance from Reggie due to concerns over his “unpredictability”. Although dolphins are generally friendly and appear playful, they have sharp teeth, and even a gentle bite could cause serious injury to humans.
According to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Charity, their behaviour can also alter when exposed to large numbers of people in the water.
But what has changed Reggie’s behavior drastically since he first appeared in February? Here’s everything we know
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When did Reggie first appear?
The lonesome dolphin was first spotted in Lyme Bay in February 2025.
By May, he had become a popular visitor to the area and was adored by locals. He was attracting tourists to the Lyme Regis Harbour, which prompted a warning from the UK’s Marine Management Organisation.
A spokesperson for the MMO said: “A solitary bottlenose dolphin has become a frequent visitor to the area just outside Lyme Regis harbour, sparking excitement from both residents and visitors.
“However, marine wildlife bodies and conservation authorities are issuing guidance following direct observation, reports, and videos of people intentionally approaching the animal too closely.
“The Marine Management Organisation (MMO), Dorset Police and Dorset Wildlife Trust remind everyone that dolphins, whales and porpoises are protected by law.
“It is an offence to intentionally approach or recklessly disturb these animals and could result in up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.”
“Although seeing dolphins in the wild can be a special experience, irresponsible behaviour, particularly from those swimming, paddleboarding, jet-skiing or operating watercraft, can place the animal, or yourself at risk.”
Why did Reggie go viral?
Reggie went viral in early August after Lynda MacDonald, 50, and her partner, son and his girlfriend, headed out for their 6am dawn dip at Lyme Bay.
The family from West London plunged off their vessel for a swim when they were accompanied by Reggie. He was filmed demanding belly rubs from the group, and even moving swimmers across the waves with its snout.
Lynda remarked at the time: “It was a magical moment, I’m so glad I caught it on camera.
“Out of nowhere, the dolphin immediately approached us and wanted to join in on the action. It was friendly and playful. It even started guiding members of our group along the water with its beak.
“It was not distressed by our presence and was very confident around us. I’ve seen a dolphin before, but this is something I’ll remember forever.”
Why did the dolphin try to ‘drown two women’?
Rhys Paterson was kayaking last Thursday when he had to intervene after the dolphin began jumping on top of a woman.
The 32-year-old said the mammal appeared to be “targeting women in wetsuits. “The dolphin was basically drowning this woman – it kind of jumped on her back four times”, he said.
Last week, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) warned the public to keep away from the lone dolphin, which was previously injured by a boat propeller. This may have sparked a change on Reggie’s behaviour, along with human interaction.
A spokesperson said: “We’re increasingly concerned about a lone dolphin spotted in Lyme Bay, Dorset, following multiple potential marine wildlife disturbance offences observed online and shared on social media. Please remember – never swim with, touch, feed, or approach dolphins.”
Why did his behaviour change?
According to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Charity, their behaviour can alter when exposed to large numbers of people in the water.
“People constantly interacting with a solitary dolphin like Reggie can make the dolphin’s behaviour unpredictable, but we have to be careful when describing Reggie’s behaviour as aggressive”, Danny Groves told The Mirror.
He added: “Aggression is more likely to be hard tail fluke slaps towards the swimmers. Most likely, his behaviour has escalated in reaction to the continuous harassment, with too many people in the water. When there is always somebody who wants to interact, it leaves the dolphin with less time to rest.
“We have seen with other solitary dolphins that their behaviour can become demanding and that can be dangerous for the people who choose to jump in the water with them. There have been times when solitary dolphins will block a swimmer from returning to a beach by repeatedly cutting them off.”
Can dolphins kill?
Although dolphins can appear playful, they have sharp teeth, and even a gentle bite could cause serious injury to humans.
When the dolphin is not given “due consideration and respect, interactions can escalate”, which can potentially “result in injury or death for either party”, according to Mr Groves.
He added: “Sadly, most solitary sociable dolphins don’t survive long once fully habituated. When the dolphin is not given due consideration and respect, interactions can escalate with the dolphin becoming frustrated and more forceful in his interactions which potentially can result in injury or even death for either party.”