NEWS: Nature is taking back Venice': wildlife returns to tourist-free city

With the cruise ships gone and the souvenir shops closed, the coronavirus lockdown has transformed Venice' waterways.

Look down into the waters of the Venice canals today and there is a surprising sight – not just a clear view of the sandy bed, but tiny fish, crabs and multicoloured plant-life.

The water is blue and clear. It is calm like a pond, because there are no more waves caused by motorised boats transporting tourists. And of course, the giant cruise ships have disappeared.

Under Venice’s strict rules of self-confinement to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the ancient city has been transformed almost overnight. The clarity of the water has improved dramatically. Fish and ducks have returned to the canals, and even dolphins were spotted swimming and twirling in the water!

“If you ask me today – says a Venice citizen – then, yes, we would all like Venice to stay like this for a while. I honestly believe we should take the opportunity of this lockdown to reflect and see how our actions as humans affect the echosystem and wildlife around us.”

Vocabulary: 

lockdown - encierro, confinamiento
waterways - canales
sight - vista
sandy - arenoso
pond - estanque
prevent - prevenir
overnight - de la noche a la mañana
twirling - haciendo piruetas
spotted - vistos
reflect - reflexionar

Questions: 

1. The article talks about which European city?
2. What changes have there been in the city since the lockdown? Why?
3. Which new wildlife has emerged in the canals?
4. Have you heard anything about animals wandering around in your city? Have you spotted any changes in the wildlife around you since humans can't go out? 
5. What's your opinion on the following statement: “[This] proves only one thing: humans are bad for this panet.”? Do you agree? Why?

Please, answer the questions in the comment section down below this post. Thank you.