topic Re: Swim free Winter in Community Chat

Swim free Winter

CJC — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 14:32:37 GMT

Hearts are heavy here in Tampa Bay as we mourn the loss of Winter, our resident celebrity dolphin who brought joy to millions of visitors at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. She was the inspiration for two films, A Dolphin Tale & A Dolphin Tale2. Techs had made a prosthetic tail for Winter after her own tail was lost to a fishing net when she was 2 months old. The CMA gave her an amazing home for 16 years. She was as smart and affectionate as a dolphin can be, and she was quite the comedian. Gratitude to some 55 animal specialists from around the world who gave their all trying to save her. 🐬

Re: Swim free Winter

BlueFinch — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 15:26:00 GMT

So many were rooting for Winter. I think hearts are heavy for everyone who followed her story.

A remarkable, intelligent, lovely natured character, who will be long remembered. It was good to know her, even from afar.

Re: Swim free Winter

Foxxee — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 16:57:31 GMT

I remember her very well; although I was never lucky enough to see her in person. Sorry, to hear she died.

Dolphins can live up to 40-50 years in captivity, up to 60 years in the wild.

I read she was estimated to be around 30 years old.

Re: Swim free Winter

greenjean1 — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 18:04:39 GMT

So very sad. I read she passed in the arms of her caretakers. I can't imagine their grief of losing this precious girl who delighted so many. Like you said, swim free Winter - you are whole again. 🐬