The two common dolphins spotted in the River Great Ouse near Downham Market have made their way into Cambridgeshire.  

The pair – thought to be an adult and a juvenile – were first spotted in the river at Earith yesterday (Thursday) and are still there today. 

While seals are spotted in the area every now and this, it is understood to be the first time common dolphins have reached Cambridgeshire waters.  

The Hunts Post: Wildlife photographer Simon Stirrup captured the pair swimming in the River Great Ouse at Earith. Wildlife photographer Simon Stirrup captured the pair swimming in the River Great Ouse at Earith. (Image: Simon Stirrup)

A combination of particularly high tides at this time of year and the full moon brought them inland from The Wash. 

To get to Earith, they would have travelled along the New Bedford River across the Fens through Welney and Mepal.  

The Hunts Post: The pair of common dolphins are understood to be a mother and her well grown calf.The pair of common dolphins are understood to be a mother and her well grown calf. (Image: Simon Stirrup)

Wildlife photographer Simon Stirrup captured the pair swimming in the River Great Ouse from a narrow boat at Brownshill Staunch.  

He said: “I have photographed dolphins in various places in the world, but I have never seen any in this setting before.  

“It is highly, highly unusual for them to be in semi-fresh water.  

“It looks like they are a mother and her well grown calf.  

“They were moving around in the river and as the water is very clear, I could also see their markings and features.” 

The Hunts Post: They swam along the New Bedford River through Welney and Mepal to reach Earith.They swam along the New Bedford River through Welney and Mepal to reach Earith. (Image: Simon Stirrup)

The situation at Earith is being closely monitored by a marine wildlife charity.

Meanwhile, there are growing calls online and across social media for the dolphins to now be rescued.  

Carl Chapman is a marine mammal medic who runs the Norfolk Cetaceans website.  

He posted: “I would have thought being that far south, some 35 miles from the sea (as the crow flies), the time for a rescue is fast becoming appropriate.  

“Given herding the animals with a boat back north would involve stress for a long period I would have thought catching and transporting both animals together, although still stressful, would be a better and quicker option.” 

The Hunts Post: Wildlife photographer Simon Stirrup photographed them at Brownshill Staunch.Wildlife photographer Simon Stirrup photographed them at Brownshill Staunch. (Image: Simon Stirrup)

Common dolphins can also be referred to as short-beaked common dolphins.  

According to The Wildlife Trusts, they are an offshore species but often come close to shore to feed.  

Its website says: “They are highly social and normally found in groups, travelling at speed and frequently leaping from the water.  

“They feed mainly on fish and will work together to herd their prey into a ball.”