Work Begins On Creating Memorial Garden To Honor Winter The Dolphin

CLEARWATER, FL — On the one-year anniversary of Winter the Dolphin’s death, Clearwater Marine Aquarium released plans for a memorial garden in honor of the late "Dolphin Tale" movie star.

Winter’s Memorial Garden will be located outside the main front entrance to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, for public access.

“It was important that we create an inviting space that is accessible to all who may need a quiet moment of reflection,” said aquarium Chief Operating Officer Lisa Oliver.

The garden and winding pathway will feature a statue of Winter as she emerges from a water fountain. Surrounded by sustainable Florida landscaping, a pathway flanked by benches will lead to the entrance of the aquarium.

"Winter is woven into the fabric of Clearwater Marine Aquarium,” said CEO Joe Handy. “We are so thankful for the lives she’s changed, both human and marine mammal. Her legacy will live on as we continue to support animals in need, like Izzy and Apollo, our most recent additions to the CMA family. This memorial garden is a tribute to Winter and her admirers who continue to inspire us each day.”

The garden is expected to be completed this spring.

Winter the dolphin died on Nov. 11, 2021, at the age of 16 due to a gastrointestinal abnormality.

At just 2 months old, she was found alone with crab trap rope bound so tightly around her tail flukes that they eventually fell off during rehabilitation due to a lack of blood flow.

Orphaned at such a young age and with her life-changing injury, Winter was deemed unable to survive in the wild and was placed at Clearwater Marine Aquarium for managed care. Without her tail flukes, Winter taught herself a new way to swim causing her to develop degenerative changes in her spine similar to scoliosis.

The team at Hanger Clinic in Bradenton heard of Winter’s condition and developed a prosthetic and prosthetic lines, called WintersGel, specific to her needs.

Her story became the Blockbuster movie, "Dolphin Tale" (2011), inspiring millions all over the world.

See related stories:

• Condolences Pour In For Winter The Dolphin; Memorial Set Nov. 20
• Winter The Dolphin Reunited With Rescuer 14 Years Later