The Clearwater Marine Aquarium achieves their mission through Rescue, Rehab and Release programs, to Education, Sea Turtle Nesting, Animal Enrichment, Exhibits & Animals, Adventures and Tours. The newest being our very own Winter and Dolphin Tale exhibit.

The real Winter, who plays herself in the movie "Dolphin Tale," today serves as a symbol of courage, perseverance and hope to millions of people, both able and disabled, who have been touched by her remarkable story of recovery and rehabilitation.

Immerse yourself into the world of Dolphin Tale and be the first to see and experience authentic rebuilt scenes and actual props seen in the movie.  Kids will have fun in our "Save Winder Day" game area. Experience the hurricane scene from the movie! Learn the history of how Dolphin Tale was made.

In December 2006, the CMA team was unknowingly about to encounter the most amazing animal: one that would catapult their mission of marine life rescue, rehabilitation and release into the public eye around the world. Winter is likely the most famous dolphin in the world. You may have seen her featured on the NBC Today Show, CNN, BBC, or hundreds of newspapers around the world.

At only three months of age, Winter found herself wrapped tightly in a crab trap line and was unable to escape. She was rescued from Mosquito Lagoon (near Cape Canaveral) and transported to CMA to begin a long rehabilitation. Unfortunately, Winter lost her entire tail as well as two vertebrae a result of the serious injuries that she had sustained. Although her story is intriguing, it is also very rare, as many dolphins unfortunately die in monofilament and crab trap lines. Despite the odds against survival, Winter's energy and ability to adapt to her new physical form has surpassed the expectations of many experts. Winter has done amazingly well in the short time since her stranding. She has completely healed, adapted to a new swim pattern, and learned to eat fish on her own...about twelve pounds a day! She is growing quickly, and now weighs in at 230 pounds!

Come and visit Winter.......she may have lost her tail, but she'll capture your heart!