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When planning a visit to Clearwater, Florida, no trip would be complete without a trip to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. While it has been a Clearwater institution since 1978, it recently became quite famous for one reason- a little dolphin named “Winter”.
When little Winter was only 2 or 3 months old, she became tangled in a crab trap line, wrapping her into a “C” shaped position and (in short) killing her tail. Her peduncle (The lower trunk, extending from the dorsal fin to the fluke. The peduncle is very muscular and generates the power that propels dolphins through the water at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour) was ruined, and needed to be amputated.
Found in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon, several rescues collaborated to save her and bring her to Clearwater. None of them thought she would live, she was very young and small, and her injuries were very severe. While not a malicious attack, and purely accidental, she was still very stressed and this was very damaging to her and her hormones, which can have long term effects- as was having to be formula fed. Winter had no mom to protect and love her. She was named Winter because that is when she was found- in December of ’05.
She was with humans 24/7 for continues care, quality control, treatment, etc. After about 6 months, several cautious surgeries, weaning onto solid food, and the first prosthetic tail ever made incorporating a joint- Winter was placed with an older female “companion”, Panama.
Winter is currently on her 17th prosthetic, at approximately 7 years of age. Her companion Panama is in her late 30’s or early 40’s. Winter’s trainer, Abby Stone, and the rest of the staff have worked very hard to help her heal and create a schedule times for her to be in and out of her prosthetic. This prevents scoliosis, helps her exercise, and helps her be vertical. She needs time out of her tail in order to keep her sensitive skin from being injured or getting abrasions or ulcers.
While the Hollywood movie, A Dolphin’s Tale, has recently become available, it is only BASED on Winter’s real life experiences. Although Winter does play herself! Make sure you take a look at the real story– I found it more interesting then the movie- even if the movie is what landed this little dolphin and the amazing aquarium and people who run it directly in the limelight!
If you plan on getting the Dolphin’s Tale DVD, or you wanted to get the real story (or any other adorable Winter fun for your favorite dolphin lover!) you know where to buy from– and support Winter and her friend’s continuous and loving care.
Feel free to check out all our photos HERE– there are pictures of Winter and all her friends, as well!
You can follow the Clearwater Aquarium on Twitter and Facebook while you plan your trip to Clearwater!
Don’t miss out on visiting one of the most inspiring creatures you will ever meet.
Have a great time!
Such an amazing story! We saw the movie and I loved it. This is definitely on my list of places to visit…
My parents stay in retirement communities New York because they want to interact with their neighbors and they want to be in-the-know always. But I’d prefer to stay in Florida if I am to retire because of the beach, the dolphins and all the water creatures.
WOW! I didn’t realize what a beautiful story that was! My son is a bit older now, so I hadn’t planned on seeing the movie, but I definitely will now.
That is pretty amazing!
What a wonderful story! I love dolphins.
I need to see the movie and I enjoyed reading the true story.
Very Nice Story! I cant wait to see the movie
What a wonderful story. I’ve never been to Florida – but would love to see Winter and the acquarium. I’ll definitely check out the video – it would make a great Christmas gift next Winter for my sister’s family.
~ =D Tina
Wow! What an amazing story 🙂 Very heartwarming!
I reviewed a book about Winter over a year ago on one of my blogs, it’s a touching story. I haven’t seen the movie and I’m in no rush. I prefer the book.
That brought tears to my eyes!
Definitely an interesting story! My granddaughter loved visiting that aquarium!
What an amazing story. Thank you for sharing it…It made me smile today..thinking about what people actually can do when they work together!
Thank you for sharing, I have heard small snippets of Winter’s story but not any real detail.
What an amazing feat she is. I’ve not been to Clear Water but sill certainly consider it when planning our annual trip to Florida.
my daughter saw this moving and LOVED it! When we went to Disney last week she SO wanted to stop by Clearwater and visit but we just didnt have time! Now I wish we did!
This is an amazing story! How inspiring. I will need to check it out!
Such an amazing story! We saw the movie and I loved it. This is definitely on my list of places to visit…
Thank you for the inspiring story and photos! We would love to plan a visit to Clearwater!
This is such an inspirational story! And I love that this little dolphin is being taken care of. I’ve never been to Florida but will add a visit to this aquarium for when I do go.
Oh that is such a great, heartwarming story! Thanks for sharing. WE go to FL at least once a year so I will put that in my bucket list.
Wow, what an amazing story. I will definitely have to visit the next time I am in Clearwater.