This morning the GSPCA were contacted in regards Echo the Dolphin Discovery Dolphin decorated by St Martins Primary School and sponsored by a raffle run by Guernsey freemasons.
Sadly Echo had been vandalised by being completely snapped in two.
To donate to Echo’s repairs and the event please go to https://giving.gg/donate/event/9835/Dolphin-Discovery-Trail-2025--In-aid-GSPCA-and-Autism-Guernsey
The organisors have been in touch with Guernsey Police who have been to take evidence and are looking into the incident.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “The Dolphin Discovery Trail is a huge community event with 62 sponsors and 62 dolphins decorated around Guernsey and Herm which we have been delivering thanks to our team and volunteers from Artex this week.”
“This weekend we have been testing the treasure hunt app and completing the finishing touches but sadly this will now be slightly delayed as vandals have broken Echo the dolphin in two, which was decorated By St Martins Primary School who will be very upset on Monday when they arrive to school and the dolphin is not there as it is being repaired.”
“A friend contacted me this morning who passed the dolphin which was between St Martins Primary School and the Masonic Hall as the funds to sponsor it came from a raffle run by local freemasons.”
"It is likely the incident occured last night on Liberation Day or the early hhours of this morning."
“In all the years these events have taken place this is the first time such deliberate vandalism has occurred and I have been with the Guernsey Police this morning who have taken prints, photos and are looking into the CCTV in the area.”
“If anyone might have seen what happened or have any information we ask you please contact Guernsey Police on 01481 222222.”
“Echo is now on route to a kind volunteer who will repair the dolphin which we will get back to the school to repaint what needs doing and we will likely slightly adjust its location.”
“I have spoken to the Head Teacher at St Martins School where they put so much work into decorating Echo so they now what has happened and are of course upset but are ready to help get it back to the fabulous decorations to help promote ad raise funds for the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey.”
“We continue to look for a sponsor for the ‘turfhunt’ app which is a minimum £1000 and would be a huge help to cover the costs to something that will ensure islanders and visitors have a lot of fun searching and recording the dolphins they find.”
“Those who get all 124 points from the app being 1 point for locating the dolphin and a second point for a picture of or with it will be in with a chance to win a prize or prizes depending on if others can help with additional prizes.”
“We have had lots of help to get us to where we are from Ravenscroft with the plinths to Signrite with the signs, Artex volunteers delivering and testing the app to our team, volunteers and the Work to Benefit placements have been incredible.”
“We cannot thank the 62 sponsors and artists enough as well as all the locations and so many others such as Bailiick Express for all they are doing.”
“This awful challenge has slowed the launch but we ask islanders to be patient as it is coming very soon and you can see many around the island and enjoy what so many have done for the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey.”
“You can donate to the event and repair of Echo as we have set up a page by going to https://giving.gg/donate/event/9835/Dolphin-Discovery-Trail-2025--In-aid-GSPCA-and-Autism-Guernsey .”
Andrew Sparks Autism Guernsey Director said “It is awful to see what has happened to Echo the dolphin sponsored by Guernsey Freemasons and decorated by St Martins Primary School.”
“We were just days away now in getting all the dolphins in place, but this sadly means a slight delay.”
“Autism Guernsey and the GSPCA are so excited to get the Dolphin Discovery Trail underway so please watch our media channels to find out all the updates and as terrible as this is we will have it all up and running very soon.”
“Thank you to everyone that has helped so far and if anyone would like to sponsor the treasure hunt app to find all the dolphins and be in with a chance to win a prize then please do get in touch.”
Further information:
After the huge success of the Puffin Parade held in 2023 which raised over £140,000 between the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey both charities are delighted to be working together once again in 2025 to bring to Guernsey the Dolphin Discovery Trail 2025.
Both the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey do vital work within our community. Events such as the 2023 Puffin Parade not only raise valuable funds but provide a huge amount of fun for islanders and visitors alike. This year’s Dolphins Trail promises to be both memorable and spectacular.
Islanders will have heard of the financial challenges faced by both charities. as Autism Guernsey. has recently become aware that one of its major donors will be withdrawing its support by the end of the year. The GSPCA is looking to build much needed new facilities. This event will not only be a celebration of the achievements of two vital charities, but also a chance to support their work.
The sponsors and artists will be promoted during the upcoming weeks and months and we are looking to launch the Trail in the coming days…….
Over the years the GSPCA has helped dolphins that have been stranded, the most famous of which was Fortune who stayed in Beaucette Marina for a period of rehab.
Dolphins are highly intelligent and sensitive creatures, regular visitors to of our waters and universally loved - a fitting choice for the 2025 Parade.
There are many ways to support the Dolphin Discovery Trail and here is a few ideas –
- Help with the Treasure Hunt App
- Help with promotion
- Helping with dolphin merchandise to promote the event
- Running dolphin themed events
- Open to any ideas………
If you are interested in helping please email [email protected] or call 01481 257261 and ask for Steve
To see the Autism guernsey website please visit - https://www.autismguernsey.org.gg/
To see the GSPCA website please visit - https://www.gspca.org.gg/
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