‘Winter’s Garden’ to debut at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Two years have passed since the unexpected death of Winter, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s world-famous bottlenose dolphin, and public interest in the mammal who lost her tail yet survived – and thrived – has not waned.
And despite the loss of its star “attraction,” the rescue and rehab facility on Old Clearwater Bay continues to be a mecca for those inspired by Winter’s heroic saga, and who want to learn more about saving stricken dolphins.
As depicted in two hit movies, the story of Winter (rescued as an infant near death, the circulation to her tail cut off by tangled crab trap lines) resonated with millions, especially with veterans, adults and children experiencing limb loss. CMA experienced a substantial rise in visitors, and an influx of income, as the spotlight shone on the little dolphin who learned to swim with a prosthetic tail. She died of a gastrointestinal illness in November 2021, at age 16.
“If it hadn’t been for Winter, we wouldn’t have this incredible marine hospital that we have now,” Chief Zoological Officer James “Buddy” Powell told the Catalyst at the time. “Which is certainly going to be her legacy going into the future, that’s going to allow us to be able to rescue, treat, rehab and release marine animals into the future.”
Thursday (Dec. 21, which happens to be the first day of winter), CMA will debut Winter’s Garden, outside the main entrance. The centerpiece is a 10-foot-tall bronze dolphin statue (“Winter’s Dream”), created by the artist Donjo. The dedication ceremony will take place at 10 a.m., followed by a reception at the fourth floor visitor’s center.
In addition, both Dolphin Tale (2011) and Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) will be screened every two hours daily inside the Dolphin Tale Theatre. Visitors are encouraged to leave letters and cards talking about how Winter inspired them.
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Guests can have their photos taken at the entrance with a special Winter the Dolphin background. A caricature artist will be available from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, to draw guests and how Winter inspired them.
“Winter was one of the first ambassador animals at CMA and has a special place in all of our hearts,” CEO Joe Handy said in a prepared statement. “She set the standard for exceptional animal care at CMA, and we continue to remember her legacy through this garden, as well as the animals here that we care for.”
Clearwater Marine Aquarium website.
Artist rendering: Winter’s Garden.
