Winter, Star Of 'Dolphin Tale,' In Critical Condition, Top Experts In Country Consulted

CLEARWATER, FL — Tests taken on Winter the dolphin Wednesday reveal the gastrointestinal infection she's been fighting for more than a week has worsened.

The animal care team at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium said the star of the movie "Dolphin Tale" is in critical condition.

The team is consulting with top veterinary and marine biology experts around the country, exploring all options to save the life of the 16-year-old Atlantic bottlenose dolphin that has inspired both children and adults around the world.

To allow Winter's veterinary team to focus on her care, the Clearwater Aquarium will close to the public on Friday, Nov. 12, and reopen Saturday at 10 a.m.

"As a marine life hospital, CMA’s priority is providing the best possible care to all rescued and resident animals," said aquarium spokeswoman Kelsey Long. "To focus that vital care on Winter and to create the best possible environment for her medical team, Clearwater Marine Aquarium will temporarily close to the public Friday, Nov. 12, with plans to reopen at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13.

Long said the team has been bolstered by the prayers and well-wishes posted on the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's Facebook page from as far away as Australia, England, Germany and Israel as they've worked around the clock caring for the dolphin.

“On behalf of the CMA staff and Winter’s care team, we thank everyone for the incredible outpouring of love and support you have shown Winter since her rescue in 2005 and especially these last few days," she said. "Many are inspired by her resiliency, and this amazing response reminds us of how deeply she has affected millions, including so many on their own health journey."

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium team has cared for Winter since her rescue after becoming entangled in a crab trap line and losing her tail in 2005.

Winter's story of survival and the efforts to create a prosthetic tail, so she could swim like other dolphins has inspired millions of people around the world, especially children who are coping with serious illnesses and disabilities. Visiting Winter is one of the top wishes for children with life-threatening diseases and injuries who are granted their fondest wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Winter is being kept in a pool specifically designed to allow easy access to animals under observation by the animal care staff.

All other residents at the aquarium have been checked and cleared by the veterinarian, who found no signs of illness.

Those wishing to do so can send notes of encouragement to winter@cmaquarium.org. Each message will be read and responded to as soon as the staff is able.

"Dolphin Tale" was produced by Warner Brothers and Alcon Entertainment and released nationwide in theaters around the world on Sept. 23, 2011.

Winter played herself in the movie, which also starred Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Harry Connick, Jr., Kris Kristofferson, Cozi Zuehlsdorff and Nathan Gamble.

See related stories:

• Fans Around The World Send Get-Well Wishes To Winter The Dolphin
• Winter The Dolphin Reunited With Rescuer 14 Years Later
• Winter The Dolphin Welcomes New BFF: A Blind, Noseless Sea Turtle