Winter inspired so many people across the globe. Throughout her life, CMA captured 360-degree videos of Winter and countless 2-D images which will be produced into a virtual reality immersive experience that guests will be able to visit onsite in CMA’s Virtual Reality theater starting January 2022. “We have the technology available to us where guests will be able to virtually swim with Winter and experience her personality as if she were still alive,” said Powell. For those of us who loved Winter, I’m proud to announce that Winter will live on in the physical world as well as the digital world so her signature tweet, demeanor, and personality can never be forgotten,” said President Dr. “When a loved one passes there is a very real fear that we will forget the sound of their voice or even the way they walked. Clearwater Marine Aquarium staff and volunteers work each day to rescue marine life and provide the most advanced and effective care to maximize the opportunity to return sick or injured animals to their homes. On the 16th anniversary of her rescue, CMA will honor Winter the Dolphin’s legacy. The marine life rescue center is home to Marine Life featured, in the Dolphin Tale movies, filmed on location in Clearwater, Florida - just 90 minutes from Orlando.

Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches & NeighborhoodsĬome be inspired and learn about the ongoing work of rescue, rehabilitation, and release at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.“Returning Winter to her natural home is a poetic ending to her incredible 16-year journey,” Powell said, “and we couldn’t think of a better way to lay her spirit to rest. Winter’s body was cremated her ashes will be released in the Gulf of Mexico in January. Beginning in January, gifts to Winter’s Endowment will be invested, and a portion of the annual used to address any immediate needs at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the remaining funds reinvested for further CMA support. RELATED STORY: Clearwater Aquarium CEO says the work will continue, thanks to WinterĪ legacy endowment has been establish through the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. “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.” “I can very honestly tell you that if it hadn’t been for Winter, we wouldn’t have this incredible marine hospital that we have now,” he said. 15 Catalyst interview, Powell discussed Winter’s impact of CMA visitation. Winter’s story was fictionalized into a successful Hollywood film, 2011’s Dolphin Tale. Most of her tail flukes literally fell off the rest was amputated. In 2005, she had been discovered, at two months old, stranded on an Atlantic beach with ropes from a crab trap wrapped around her tail, cutting off circulation.

The animal had been under intense medical scrutiny and constant care since the beginning of the month. 11 from intestinal torsion (twisted intestines). Visitors are encouraged to bring notes, cards, and share their stories about how Winter impacted their lives.Įarlier this year, Clearwater Marine Aquarium opened an $80 million expansion including a brand new 1.5 million-gallon water dolphin habitat. The immersive experience will open to the public in January.Ī permanent memorial has been established near the “old Winter Zone,” where she spent most of her 16 years. “I’m proud to announce that Winter will live on in the physical world as well as the digital world so her signature tweet, demeanor and personality can never be forgotten,” said CMA president James “Buddy” Powell in a prepared statement. Via 360-degree videos and hundreds of still photographs, a virtual reality experience will allow visitors to “swim” with the famous bottlenose dolphin.

A month after the unexpected death of Winter the dolphin, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s best-known resident, plans for a permanent memorial have been revealed.

Clearwater marine aquarium winter