2005-2021
With heavy hearts, Clearwater Marine Aquarium announced that Winter the Dolphin passed away on November 11, 2021, due to an intestinal abnormality. Winter the Dolphin has encouraged millions around the world through her remarkable rescue story. Her enduring spirit will live on in our hearts forever and her legacy will continue to inspire.
In Winter’s memory, please consider a gift to Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Your donation will help us provide animal care and continue our mission to rescue, rehab and release more animals and support research and conservation efforts.
CMA cared for Winter since her rescue in 2005 after becoming entangled in a crab trap line and losing her tail. Showing resilience and strength, she defied all odds.
Throughout her time with us, she thrived, and her story of survival inspired millions of people around the world. From her countless “Dolphin Tale” fans to her visitors, she has touched the hearts of everyone. Every day, Winter showed us anything is possible if we believe.
We will miss her dolphin tweets and spunky yet sweet personality, her mat laying and bubble-ring blowing playtime, and how she always seemed to know who needed her support the most. We will miss Winter.
Though Winter’s time with us has come to an end, her spirit and inspiration will continue to live on in our hearts forever.
A Song for Winter
A song made just for Winter ❤️
“In Our Hearts You’ll Be” – Red Marker 28
Available on iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify now. A percentage of the song proceeds will go toward supporting Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s mission.
Lyrics by Stephen Page. Music by Rudiger. ©2021 all rights reserved
The memorial ceremony in honor of Winter the Dolphin below was livestreamed on November 20, 2021.
Share your memories and photos of Winter with us at RememberingWinter.com
Winter Q&A
A: Preliminary results indicate the cause of Winter’s death was an intestinal torsion – essentially, Winter’s intestines had twisted deep in her intestine
A: We used pain control and did everything in our power to make sure Winter was comfortable. Our Animal Care team was there with her to comfort her at all times.
A: A full necropsy was performed to help us understand the cause of her death and to learn more about her anatomy. There is so much we can learn from her, even in death, to help save and care for rescued animals. Plans are being made for her body to honor her life and legacy.
A: There is a temporary memorial set up near the front entrance staircase at Clearwater Marine Aquarium for anyone who would like to drop off items. We welcome all to join us for a Celebration of Life at Clearwater Marine Aquarium Saturday, November 20 and Sunday, November 21, with extended days through Wednesday, November 24. For more details, visit the event page on our website.
A: Yes, Winter’s fans and followers are invited to share their stories and photos at RememberingWinter.com. We also have a temporary memorial set up near the front entrance staircase at Clearwater Marine Aquarium for anyone who would like to drop off items.
A: Yes, this is a condition that is found in stranded wild dolphins as well as any living being with intestines.
A: The community still has much to learn as to the cause, treatment and prevention of torsion. Because of Winter’s injury and the distortion it caused in her body, she was more prone to facing health complications since her rescue 16 years ago.
A: The community still has much to learn as to the cause, treatment and prevention of torsions. For Winter, her injury caused a distortion in her anatomy making her more susceptible to such conditions. The prosthetic tail created for her by Hanger Clinic helped delay the progression and gave her 16 wonderful years in our care.
A: The distortion in Winter’s anatomy has made her more susceptible to such conditions. The prosthetic tail created for her by Hanger Clinic helped delay the progression and gave her 16 wonderful years in our care.
A: The prosthetic tail created for her by Hanger Clinic helped delay the progression and gave her 16 wonderful years in our care.
A: Our dedicated team continues to provide the highest quality of care to all our residents and rescued animals at CMA 24/7. At this time, they are getting extra love and attention from our animal care team. Additionally, they have all been checked and cleared by our veterinarian who found no signs of illness and are acting normally.
A: CMA will keep her prosthetics onsite in memory of beloved Winter at CMA for her fans and extended family to visit.
A: Winter’s legacy will continue in many different ways and one of those will be through the Inspire Program. We remain committed to our Inspire program and guests.
You can email your support to winter@cmaquarium.org and share your photos and memories of Winter at RememberingWinter.com.
