Hope the Dolphin

Hope is one of the stars of Dolphin Tale 2! Along with being one of the most famous dolphins at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Hope is also one of the most sweet and playful residents.

Where to See

Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex

Meet Hope

Age: 14
Sex: Female
Rescue Date: 12/11/2010

Diet: Capelin, silversides, herring
Origin: Indian River Lagoon, FL

Hope is an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin that starred in Dolphin Tale 2. Five years and one day after Winter the Dolphin (Dolphin Tale) was found, Hope was discovered in a similar location in the Indian River Lagoon.

A local fisherman spotted Hope in shallow waters, attempting to nurse from her deceased mother. When first responders arrived, they evaluated the dolphin calf and determined she should be transported to CMA for rehabilitation. CMA was able to provide care and nutrition to nurse her back to full recovery. Hope was given 24-hour care and fed every two hours. Hope is currently flourishing at CMA, where she has learned several behaviors for medical care, mental stimulation, and exercise.

Adopt Hope

Hope Videos

Hope’s Story

Hope's Rescue

On December 11, 2010, Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute received a call that a dolphin calf had been found in Indian River Lagoon on the East Coast of Florida. A local fisherman spotted her in shallow waters attempting to nurse from her deceased mother. After first responders evaluated the dolphin calf, and in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service, determined she should be transported to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for rehabilitation.

Hope's Rehabilitation

During her rehabilitation process, Embassy Blue Institute and Ocean Embassy were consulted to assist with Hope’s initial care and formula. As a nursing calf at the time of her rescue, she did not possess any teeth. Bottlenose dolphins nurse until they are 18-20 months old. Her formula consisted of blended herring, powdered milk substitute, vitamins, oils and water. In the beginning, Hope was given 24-hour care and fed every two hours.

Although it is our goal to return every animal to their natural habitat, Hope did not make a good candidate for release because she was very young and had not yet learned the necessary skills to survive in the wild. Bottlenose dolphin calves learn these skills from their mothers, to whom they remain close for several years.