Living just about an hour from the home of the star of Dolphin Tale 2, I’ve been able to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium before. In fact, the last time we were there was on my oldest daughter’s 16th birthday. The Aquarium was still getting a tremendous amount of visitors from the first Dolphin Tale movie, and now that we have a sequel hitting theaters soon, you can bet people from all over the country will be making their way to see the star, Winter the dolphin.
Often a film will have what’s called a “junket” before the release, where media from all over the country come in to meet and interview the stars as well as see an advance screening of the film. I was thrilled when Caryn Bailey asked me to cover the event for her! As part of the event, we were taken on a tour of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
You’ve probably heard the story of Winter, a dolphin found stranded near Cape Canaveral, Florida when she was just three months old. As you walk through Clearwater Marine Aquarium, you’ll see photos of Winter like the one below.
Winter had been entangled in a crab trap, which cut off the circulation to her tail flukes. Transported to Clearwater Marine Aquarium with extensive injuries, Winter would eventually lose her tail after all efforts to save it were exhausted. Most dolphins would not survive the ordeal Winter went through. But Winter is not an ordinary dolphin. Take a look and you’ll see her tail (and her personality!) in this video.
Surviving without a tail was one thing, but Winter had to continue to get exercise or her body would atrophe, and she would not survive. If you haven’t seen Dolphin Tale, I have to encourage you to watch it for family night! It is such a wonderful movie. You’ll learn all about how Winter was fitted with a a prosthetic tail made by Dr. Cameron McCarthey (played in the movie by none other than Morgan Freeman) and had to learn to swim in a new way, no longer up and down like a normal dolphin, but side to side. Below is Winter’s trainer with one of the many tails made just for her.
Though this is a photo from my last visit, almost two years ago, it gives you a great look at how the tail actually fits on Winter. The tail has been improved upon several times since this was taken, but you can get a good idea of how it works.
While we were visiting, we were given a special talk about Winter from her trainer as well as the CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, David Yates, who was also one of the executive producers on the film. It was so amazing to hear all about Winter’s rescue and rehabilitation from the very people who made it happen. We also heard about the mission of the Aquarium, which is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release. They work with many different agencies, and help much more than just dolphins! Part of their mission is also to educate us, as we are the biggest danger the animals face. You can learn more about helping their efforts on their website.
The team at Clearwater Marine Aquarium not only saved Winter’s life, but the film, Dolphin Tale, has inspired people all over the world to overcome the obstacles they have been faced with. The very day we were there, a couple of people with disabilities spoke to staff at the Aquarium sharing how far they had come just to see Winter. I can’t imagine working there as I think I would be in tears every day! By the way, the staff is amazing! You can see the passion in everything they do. Below is part of the Stingray Beach hands-on exhibit. Your kids will love this!
I wish we could have spent more time at the Aquarium. As I mentioned, I’ve visited before, but for those who have not been to Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure, it is a must! You have to either drive or take the ferry to get to the other building. We voted for the ferry, and it was an adventure in itself. Inside, you’ll find various props and rebuilt scenes from the first Dolphin Tale movie. I wish I had photos to share with you! There’s also an interactive area for kids, and even a mailbox for them to write a letter to Winter. It’s really an all day experience to go to both the Aquarium and Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is located at 249 Windward Passage in Clearwater, Florida. Check the website for the different activities available. Interested in learning more about dolphins? Homeschool Movie Club has an awesome 5-lesson curriculum inspired by Dolphin Tale 2. The curriculum is free and simply requires registration to access lesson plans on the site.
Be sure to see Dolphin Tale 2 when it hits theaters September 12th! Interviews with the stars coming soon!
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