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Join us as we unveil the opening of Winter’s Garden to honor the life of an amazing dolphin – one that will live on forever in our hearts.
Date
December 21 10:30 am – 6:00 pmActivities included with general admission.
About the Event
Winter the dolphin touched the hearts of millions with her inspiring “tale” and helped make Clearwater Marine Aquarium into a place where the connectivity between animals and humans is respected and celebrated.
To honor Winter the Dolphin and her legacy, guests will now be able to visit Winter’s Garden at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Guests will have the opportunity to visit the site and remember her, her spirit and how she inspired millions of people around the world. Winter’s Garden is located outside of the front entrance so that the public will have access. It will feature a 10-foot-tall bronze statue of a dolphin, called “Winter’s Dream,” which was created by artist Donjo.
Throughout the day on Dec. 21:
• The Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2 movies will be featured every two hours in the Dolphin Tale Theater.
• Guests can leave letters and cards about how Winter inspired them.
• Guests can have their photos taken at the entrance with a special Winter the Dolphin background, and order photos.
• A special caricature artist will be available from 10:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. to draw guests and how Winter inspired them.
About Winter the Dolphin
Winter, the star of Dolphin Tale, lost her tail after becoming entangled in a crab trap line. She was only two months old when she was found and rescued on Dec. 10, 2005, in Mosquito Lagoon, Florida and taken to Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The crab trap rope cut circulation to her tail flukes, causing permanent damage, which eventually led to a deterioration and loss of her tail during rehabilitation. While most dolphins in this situation wouldn’t survive, Winter adapted and found a new way to swim! The loss of her tail led to the development of degenerative changes in her spine, such as scoliosis. The team at Clearwater Marine Aquarium worked with the Hanger Clinic to develop a prosthetic tail, allowing Winter to thrive and inspire millions around the world!
Winter the Dolphin passed away at 16 years old on Nov. 11, 2021, due to a gastrointestinal abnormality. Her remarkable story continues to inspire. Thousands of visitors have read about Winter, seen the Dolphin Tale movies and traveled to CMA because of her. Some were lucky enough to meet her in person. Others still come to see her legacy. Winter’s impact on veterans, adults and children experiencing limb loss, as well as anyone fighting through life challenges, continues through CMA’s Inspire Program.