The rope in which Winter was entangled cut off the supply of blood to her tail, necessitating its amputation.
Winter received her name because she was found in December, traditionally considered a winter month, even though the exact date of her rescue falls within the American definition of autumn. At the time of her rescue, she was estimated to be about two months old. Winter was found in the ropes of a crab trap on Decem in Mosquito Lagoon of the coastal waters of Florida. She lived in her pool with two other dolphins, Hope and P.J., the former of which is the subject of Dolphin Tale 2. Winter became a highly popular attraction at the aquarium. As a result, Winter was fitted with a silicone and plastic tail that enabled her to swim normally. The loss of her tail caused Winter to swim unnaturally, with her tail moving side to side instead of up and down. Winter was then taken to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where she was housed for nearly 16 years. She was caught in a crab trap, which resulted in the loss of her tail. Winter was found in the coastal waters of Florida on December 10, 2005. Winter was the subject of the 2009 book Winter's Tale, the 2011 film Dolphin Tale, and its 2014 sequel. October 2005 – November 11, 2021) was a bottlenose dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida, United States, and was widely known for having a prosthetic tail. We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life environmental education research and conservation.Herself in Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2Ĭlearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida © 2019 Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 | 72 | 72 | (Mission Site URL) | (Visit Site URL) The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world The sequel, Dolphin Tale 2, was released in September 2014 and features the incredible story of Hope, a young resident dolphin of CMA. A major motion picture, Dolphin Tale, highlighted her life story in 2011. Winter, the dolphin’s story of survival after injury that caused her to lose her tail, has impacted millions of people around the world. CMA is home to rescue dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, nurse sharks and more. Visit to make reservations and for admission specials.Ībout Clearwater Marine Aquarium Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to preserving our marine life and environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. Sitting on Clearwater Bay, this habitat is minutes from the pristine sands of Clearwater Beach and 90-minutes from Orlando.
Additionally, Phase II of our expansion project will also include a whole new entrance experience, new dining areas and locally-sourced food options with beer and wine, a new retail area, private event space with a ballroom and full prep kitchen, high-tech theatre, double the education space, four private meeting rooms, and five-times the guest space. This fall, CMA will open third-floor access to the Stone Complex with views of Clearwater Beach and the top of the dolphin habitats. The opening of Winter’s new home is the first in a two-phased opening for the Stone Dolphin Complex. “Each guest that comes through our doors allows us the ability to rescue, rehab, release, and care for our non-releasable resident marine animals.” Dame continued, “With the additional capacity this beautiful and custom-made habitat affords us, we will be able to care for twice as many rescued animals and give them the best care available.” “We are so excited to unveil this beautiful new space after 14 years of planning and discussions,” said CEO Frank Dame. The Stone Dolphin Complex triples CMA’s dolphin pool space, allowing for the care of additional rescued animals.
The nine viewing windows offer sweeping underwater views of all five residents Winter, Hope, PJ, Nicholas and Hemingway, including the 40-foot wide by 14-foot tall Kate Tiedemann and Ellen Cotton Main Dolphin Pool and Observation Window. This new habitat was developed to provide state of the art care for CMA’s resident dolphins, and is part of the $80 million expansion efforts currently underway at the Ruth and J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex habitat with a ribbon cutting. (July 29, 2020) – Today, Clearwater Marine Aquarium fulfills its 14-year vision of providing a new habitat for Winter the Dolphin by unveiling the Dolphin Tale star’s 1.5 million gallon Ruth and J.