Increasing numbers of decorated dolphins are being returned to base ahead of the Dolphin Discovery Trail starting next month.

62 models have been sponsored by various businesses and organisations with artists, school groups, and others all tasked with decorating them.

Those decorated models are now being returned so they can be mounted on plinths before going on display at locations across Guernsey in May.

They’ll remain on display until the end of the summer before being auctioned off in September.

All money raised will be split between the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey.

Both charities have been hands on in the organisation of the Dolphin Discovery Trail, supported by Express as media partner.

Steve Byrne from the GSPCA said most of the decorated dolphins are now back at the pod’s HQ and he’s looking forward to seeing the rest.

Pictured: Steve Byrne with some of the boxed up models ahead of the Dolphin Discovery Trail.

“With two thirds of the 62 dolphins now back at the GSPCA having been decorated and the remaining with the artists who are putting the final touches they will all be back and ready by the end of this week to be attached to plinths.

“Last month at Government House the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey held the pre-launch and unveiled two of the completed dolphins one sponsored by KPMG and decorated by Amherst Primary School and the second sponsored by Queens Road Medical Practice and decorated by students from Year 8 Ladies College students and tell both their wonderful tales.

“Those we have back look outstanding and the event gave a tiny sample of what will be a truly amazing sight around the island.”

The dolphins will be on display from early May, with some still needing a temporary home over the summer months said Mr Byrne.

He added that other help is also needed – with a whole community effort involved in bringing together such a fin-tastic event.

“We do have a few sponsors looking for locations and any business able to host a dolphin please do let us know.

“We are so thankful to Ravenscroft Construction who are kindly building the 62 plinths with help from Norman Piette for the wood and Bailiwick Express are helping with a new website to promote this amazing event.

“We are looking for volunteers to help paint the plinths.”

There are many ways to support the Dolphin Discovery Trail and here are a few ideas:

  • Help with the Treasure Hunt App
  • Help with promotion
  • Help with transport picking up and dropping off the dolphins
  • A venue for the auction in September
  • Helping with dolphin merchandise to promote the event
  • Running dolphin themed events
  • Open to any ideas………

Anyone who can help should email dolphinparade2025@gmail.com or steve@gspca.org.gg.

Pictured: The decorated dolphins will be placed on plinths before going out on public display.

“There are many other ways to help with the trail from volunteering to get them in place to the treasure hunt app to promoting it and spreading the word and if you can help please do let us know,” said Mr Byrne.

“Not only was the prelaunch a hugely exciting moment for both charities we also had the great privilege to feature as the first story on the new Government House facebook page.”

Autism Guernsey Director, Andrew Sparks said he really enjoyed the launch evening, where some of the dolphins were unveiled.

“We cannot thank all and everyone involved and that have helped with the Dolphin Discovery Trail 2025 so far and those about to help.

“Last month was so great at the prelaunch at Government House and we cannot thank Patron of Autism Guernsey Mrs Louise Cripwell and His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell CB, CBE Patron of the GSPCA for hosting such an amazing prelaunch for the Dolphin Discovery Trail.

“So many of the dolphins are now many complete at the GSPCA and all should be back by the end of this month to then be fitted on their plinths and plaques then attached.

“We will then look to get them out to all their locations during the last few week of April ready for the start of May to help add to all the decorations of the 80th anniversary celebrations for Liberation Day as well as get the treasure hunt app all set up.”

Pictured: The Lieutenant Governor speaking at the Dolphin Discovery Trail pre-launch earlier this month.

It’s hoped the Dolphin Discovery Trail will match, or exceed, the money raised by 2023’s Puffin Parade which saw £140,000 split between the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey.

Both charities do vital work within our community and both need to meet their expenses through donations or fundraising.

Any business, organisation, artist, or other group or individual involved in the Dolphin Discovery Trail can be featured on our website, dolphindiscoverytrail.gg to support the fundraising project.