Fans Around The World Send Get-Well Wishes To Winter The Dolphin

CLEARWATER, FL — More than 2,200 people have posted prayers and get-well wishes on the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's Facebook page for Winter, the famous Atlantic bottlenose dolphin featured in the film, "Dolphin Tale."

Winter is under round-the-clock care after being diagnosed with a gastrointestinal infection.

On Nov. 1, members of the animal care team at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter's permanent home, noticed she wasn't her usual playful self and seemed to lack an appetite.

While her care team is still running tests, initial blood work suggests Winter may be fighting a gastrointestinal infection.

"We were able to see her in August," Stacy Renee Edwards of Cleveland, Texas, wrote. "My 15-year-old daughter beat Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Make-a-Wish sent us to Clearwater. The aquarium was our daughter's top choice of things to do because she and our other three kids love (Winter) and the other dolphins. It was an amazing experience. We live about 16 to 17 hours away. It was more than worth the drive. I’m so glad we were able to experience this place. We are praying for Winter. She is beautiful."

"Praying for Winter and her caregivers," wrote Vicki Fargusson. "I was fortunate enough to get to meet and spend time with her shortly after she was rescued by CMA. I sincerely love this creature, and thank God that she was given the opportunity to be an inspiration for so many people. She is truly an angel on Earth."

"Sending hugs and prayers from Germany," Jasmin Just wrote. "Winter gave my daughter so much hope to fight herself back to life after being in a coma for eight weeks We can’t wait to see her and our Clearwater friends again as soon as possible."

"Hugs to you all from Australia," wrote Kylie King. "Such an inspiring story. Stay strong and positive."

"I don’t even have the words," said Hannah Elle Wood of the United Kingdom when she heard the news. "I love this animal so much. The first time I visited and heard her tweety bird sound, I cried. And then cried again when I actually saw her. She’s one of the reasons I’m still alive today. Reading this post made me burst into tears. Please get better Winter I NEED you to get better. You’re such a rock in my life. I love you."

In addition to the more than 2,000 comments, 11,000 people posted emojis for Winter and 3,300 people shared the aquarium's Facebook post about her illness.

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.

During Winter’s time living at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, she's faced many health challenges due to her injury. Nevertheless, she’s thrived at the aquarium with her BFF, Hope, who starred in the sequel, "Dolphin Tale 2."

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.

But the aquarium staff said the dolphin continues to show the strong, determined and fighting spirit that has inspired visitors for the past 16 years.

"She is our top priority," said aquarium spokeswoman Kelsey Long. "We will keep the public informed of any change in her condition."

While staff is keeping a close watch on Winter, she will be in the center pool, which has no underwater viewing windows. This pool was built specifically to allow easy access to animals under observation by the animal care staff.

But visitors may be able to view Winter from above on the third-floor Dolphin Terrace.

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

Those wishing to 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 "Dolphin Tale," which also starred Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Harry Connick, Jr., Kris Kristofferson, Cozi Zuehlsdorff and Nathan Gamble.

See related stories:

• Winter The Dolphin Reunited With Rescuer 14 Years Later
• Winter The Dolphin Welcomes New BFF: A Blind, Noseless Sea Turtle