Winter the Dolphin's Ashes Return to the Sea

Today, Winter the Dolphin made her return to the sea. Encased in a Himalayan sea salt urn, the ashes of Winter were released into the Gulf of Mexico by her animal care staff aboard the U.S. Coast Guard’s 45-foot Response Boat.
In her honor, there was a C-130 flyover by the Coast Guard to begin the ceremony-at-sea. A poem was read in her memory before her ashes were released. Flower petals of roses and orchids were also released into the Gulf and the team blew bubbles, honoring one of Winter’s favorite enrichment activities.
We would like to thank all of Winter’s fans who have shared their love and supported CMA during this time. Together we will keep her inspiration alive forever. Her legacy will continue at Clearwater Marine Aquarium with an onsite memorial for visitors, virtual experiences, and an endowment in Winter’s honor that will safeguard indefinite support of CMA. We look forward to welcoming all to visit and share her memory at CMA and continuing her legacy with future generations.
Lear more about Winter's legacy at WinterTheDolphin.com
Donate and support CMA at HelpCMA.org!
© 2022 Clearwater Marine Aquarium
We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
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www.cmaquarium.org

[@roguespartan1194]

Rest in peace, Winter! Still can't believe that she is no longer with us, but I know that she is watching from up above. ❤😭

[@Mmaulin12]

She gets to chill with Betty White now

[@Dinomc3]

@@Mmaulin12 yep

[@ForeverWinterandHope]

She's with Panama, Sunset Sam and Indy now. She has a pod in heaven and she's in our hearts forever.

[@NyYannaPlays]

@@ForeverWinterandHope sorry to say, but if animals die than they dont go to heaven, so you dont see them ever again. sorry, but its the truth, the Bible says so.

[@cesarcampos3070]

@@NyYannaPlays actually The Bible said Animals do to go to heaven because God created animals for the Garden of eden

[@Hannahleigh_b]

I’ll miss you Winter. Thank you for fueling my love for animals. I’ll never forget how happy I would be whenever someone brought you up in conversation. Your legacy will live on at CMA. We love you, Winter!

[@jakebeetle5957]

She’s back home now. 😔💔 RIP Winter the Dolphin.

[@karenklauder1880]

Winter you are my hero and without you, my legs will not work I love you.❤❤❤😢

[@summer4432]

Love you winter Always and forever We will never forget you Thank you cma for giving winter 16 years of love and care

[@christinahofstra8714]

We love you Winter 🐬.We will always miss you Winter. R. I. P Winter 💙🐬 😥😥😥💔💔💔

[@the_hoodie_ninja]

That dolphin inspired so much hope, this is the best way to honor her.

[@SkittlezinNoodlez.9]

Rest in peace Winter, we love you

[@autisticninja1184]

I'm in tears again. Rest in peace Winter. You will be greatly missed.

[@jessicashank416]

I am currently sobbing again. I will also never get over her loss

[@DarNelleW]

As am I. Feels like I lost a friend. Thank you CMA

[@RedRockMark]

Same here. Winter the Dolphin shone a special light in this world. It's still so hard to believe she is gone. Seeing her returned to the sea here brings some comfort. So does knowing that she meant so much to so many. Rest in peace, dear Winter. We love you.

[@autisticninja1184]

@@jessicashank416 I sob so hard every time I watch this video, and every video since she passed away. It breaks my heart knowing she is no longer with us. 💔

[@autisticninja1184]

I'm also sorry to everyone who comments on my comments. If I don't answer right away, it's because I don't see that you replied. I don't get notifications for replies to comments for some reason.

[@sharoncarter6172]

Just saw the video...bawling my eyes out. She meant a lot to me. We shared the same birthday. We both have scoliosis. I wore a brace, she wore a tail to help correct it. I will miss you sweet girl. Thank you for existing in our lives. Thank you CMA for rescuing her and allowing us to be touched by such an incredible, loving, strong, yet delicate creature.

[@sueford6222]

Yes you get it

[@sueford6222]

There is so many animals that touch people maybe give a glimmer of hope that there is a different way and that maybe have one thing in common like a birthday or condition and yes so thx

[@livliv22]

Sending all my love to you guys at CMA. Winter filled my heart with such warmth and happiness. Thank you for taking great care of her, and giving her a beautiful life. And thank you Winter, for enhancing my love for marine creatures. If I study marine biology next year, it will be for and because of you.

[@wintersfan2349]

She filled us with hope and I will never forget her

[@Lia.loves.you1]

I miss winter R.I.P

[@Mantequillaa_]

RIP Winter you made a difference in this world

[@makalalewis6247]

I miss her so much I am lost without her

[@feathers457]

Youre home little one. We’ll miss you so much. Goodbye Winter. You’ll be in our hearts forever 💙

[@violetmoon441]

At least Winter had a great and long life and she wouldn’t have survived to16 in the wild, rest in peace winter you will never be forgotten.🐬

[@Vic-se1fz]

Such a beautiful resting place. Winter would be so grateful. RIP

[@alyssavanzeebroeck]

I cry this is so beautiful we love you forever Winter🥺💙

[@quixotic.whisper]

I'll miss you so much sweet girl, but now you're with Panama, Indy, Dolly, Sam, Presley and Feeny, looking after us Hope, PJ, Apollo, Nic, Hemi and all the future rescues coming to CMA. Sending greatest support to CMA. You gave us so, so much Winter, and we promise to return that💙🐬

[@TaylorTot-13]

Wait! Feeny and Sam died?! WHAT? WHEN!!

[@loverforkeet8485]

@@TaylorTot-13 like 10 years ago

[@darkwinter2009]

Rest in peace Winter. You will never be forgotten Winter,

[@davigreenspan2953]

I will miss you so much Winter! You were an amazing inspiration! You will never leave my heart! May you Rest In Peace!

[@PodStudios]

Goodbye Winter. I’m so grateful for everything CMA has done. Winter will live on in our hearts forever. She is swimming in the ocean and having fun from now on. 💙

[@RedVultureMedia]

Farewell beautiful girl...you lit the world up brighter than ever. Your legacy will live on.

[@ameliaoates9265]

I miss you more and more everyday winter. You had such an impact on my life and so many others. I am so thankful I made such and amazing best friend. We had such a deep connection it hurt me so much when you passed. I will continue my dream to be an animal care specialist at CMA in honer of you. I love you so much, see you again one day ❤️

[@elitutucanphillopphen1989]

Winter can now freely explore the oceans. Winter’s story will live on forever ❤️🐬 Congratulations to the CMA team who are extremely devoted and always doing a wonderful work! 💙

[@donren6695]

Winters time is gone. But the lasting memories will always set the soul of everyone who has heart. She will always be part of that Aquarium and she should be remembered as a hero

[@DinosaurDude53747]

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium won’t ever be the same without her. I didn’t even meet her in person for myself.

[@ForeverWinterandHope]

Rest in peace, beautiful baby girl. I'll never forget you and I'll always miss you forever. Thank you for everything you gave us.. I'm crying right now... 💔 Love you, always Winter, no matter what. You're home, baby girl. Your legacy will live on at CMA!

[@coco_1246]

So wonderful love you Winter ❤️💕💕🐬

[@PFGFrankly]

Wish I could see winter

[@disneygirl1961]

winter will truly be missed

[@serenageiler5484]

Thank you. It still hurts so hard... Thank you for returning her ashes. This is where it all began and this is where it ends. But the encouragement she has given will never fade.

[@EclipseWcuee]

Thank you Cma for everything you did for winter and all the sea animals/animals , this is very sadly for me because I thought of winter As a family member so did Cma , Yes I cried watching this. SWIM Free Winter everyone Misses you 🐬 , Stay Save everyone ! I did go to cma to see Winter Memorial . It is sad to see My and lots of People Inspirtion died , Even cma . What we need to Remember is that Winter is not dead she lives in our hearts every single day! WE Miss and LOVE YOU WINTER ! 😭

[@purple-eyesgreydragon]

I’ll miss you forever! At least she gets her tail back, now swimming in the seas of heaven for eternity. I seriously hope animals go to heaven. It would feel incomplete if I never saw Winter and all the dogs and pets I’ve loved and lost again.

[@londongirl1733]

Genesis 1:21 So God created all the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Job 12:7-10 In his hand is the life of every creature. Xx RIP Winter ❤

[@vanessareyesespinosa2613]

I want to give my condolences to the entire winter care staff, i wish that someday i can visit cma and become a voluntary , because i would like to help every animal that i can. ¡Winter is in our hearts¡

[@Quagthistle]

As sad as it is to lose such an inspiring and sweet dolphin, may she swim on forever with a tail never again to be lost!

[@jennamartin4208]

Love you winter the dolphin you are angel now rest in peace😭😭😫😫🐬🐬

[@shannondominguez9725]

Precious courageous Winter you touched the hearts of millions with your fighting spirit and ability to make people smile through the toughest times in their lives my heart was heavy when I heard you were no longer here yet in the time you were with us you taught us so much to never give up,to keep going and to always give things your best. I never had the honor of meeting you in person but I will always carry you in my heart you are so loved and will forever be missed fly high Tweety Bird. My thoughts and hugs go out to all of Winters caregivers and CMA staff who helped give a tiny 4 month old dolphin a 2nd chance caring for her every day with love and dedication for all these years I can’t imagine the hole in all of your hearts but thank you ALL for everything you did for her as well as continue to do for all animals in your care all of you are amazing.❤️❤️

[@gabriellaverdugo5787]

Sweetest dolphin I’ve ever met. Love your forever winter. Rest In Peace❤️❤️

[@evab100official]

We will always miss you, Winter. 💙🐬💔

[@ellawelsh9758]

Enjoy being with your friends and happy forever swims. It’s okay, Winter the Dolphin returned home today. 🕊❤️

[@ulisesmarvels]

This was very sweet of you 🥺💕 We all loved her fly high beautiful 🕊 🌹

[@kaimeyers4221]

Youre home sweet girl. we miss you so much. You’ll be in our hearts forever. Rest in peace winter.💙

[@aaralynp]

We love you Winter ❤️ Rest In Peace

[@Time77738]

Thank you CMA for all you did for Winter. My dog passed away last year too. I find solace in knowing that they ( Winter and my dog) was loved and had the best care. RIP Winter and Cooper.

[@Parzival_Z98]

I may not have met you Winter, but I know, you inspired everyone. You proved to NEVER give up without your tail and inspired amputees to never give up as well. I will miss you Winter. Your an inspiration to all of us.🐬🇺🇸

[@angieando3376]

Every day, Winter was loved and was more special than the day before… prayers of peace and coping to the wonderful people at CMA whose love and caring gave her a life worth living

[@itsfrediguess7844]

RIP ♥️

[@calicu]

I will love her forever and I will make it my goal to work with the dolphins just for her

[@kalibarrett62]

We love you winter and we know you are swimming with your friends up there

[@ancientdarkstarmoka]

swim free little angel, we miss you 😭💕 thanks for everything 💙🐬

[@kmulhall8233]

I’m just crying right now! Love you forever Winter!

[@simone4271]

I miss you soooo much winter I wish you are still here . Love you winter

[@maryellabruce7521]

R.I.P you inspired me and will continue to inspire the hearts of others. Swim safe my friend 💖🌹

[@jennyc7758]

Sending all my love to the CMA Family. Winter Inspires Forever.

[@firewolfeena]

I will always love you winter you are the reason I want to persue a career in animals and why I love dolphins I'll miss you but I will always smile because of you and I thank you for that

[@krystenmyers2753]

Winter I will miss you 😢.

[@lanielambert]

😭😭😭😭🐬🖤 I love you winter!! Rest easy sweet girl!!!

[@sdzeus3009]

We miss you Winter. You inspired so many people including me.🐬🌷

[@paula1008]

What a beautiful send off for a very special beloved dolphin!!!♥️🐋

[@heatherjoy479]

Sad miss u winter 😢 upseting

[@lrc.lev0756]

I still can’t believe she left us. She will forever be remembered❤️

[@mattiewendel6047]

I miss you Winter 🥺😭!! I loved learning about your life! You were a beautiful dolphin 🐬!!! Love you forever ♾!! Rest easy

[@garaibrigitta644]

Rest in pice Winter!Miss you!you were a Hero!Best of all!!you will be my heart for ever! See you one day!angel girl!😭😍

[@natyrodriguez5339]

I miss you winter ❤️. You are so cuite And beautiful.

[@courteneybark675]

R.I.P Winter we love you and we miss you so much but now i know that you will be forever happy swimming in the big ocean again with your best friend panama again you will always remine in my heart one beautiful day we will see you again but in the meantime swim free sweetie xxx

[@everythingdolphins1553]

I will miss you winter ❤️

[@rebeccadomer5073]

I have watced her release over and over and I cry every time I have always loved dolphins and Winter made that love stronger she will forever be in our hearts and her urn will dissolve and she will forever be in the ocean swimming freely 🐬💖🥰😥💕🐬

[@jenniferthomas5305]

Truly loved animals never die in our hearts and memories. God bless all animal lovers😇 🐾💞👣 saying good bye is gentler when you know you loved them the very best you can

[@elliesvibe7496]

Fly high💘

[@marionhelck8395]

I love you Winter ❤ Rest in Peace beautiful girl I miss so much and you are forever in my heart, in will never forget you. I am so happy that I have seen you so many Times in the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, you looked at me and I was overjoyed, i am so happy to have met you

[@rosecallahan5000]

I just know that Winter is swimming with Panama up in heaven! Good luck to the CMA staff in the rest of their adventures. Winter will always swim by your side. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@tabeapfitzke1068]

I‘m crying again…. Still Can’t believe it…. Good bye Winter . Thank you for everything ❤️Miss you

[@CaffeineFox56]

I'll miss Winter forever..... CMA thank you for what you do... you helped her have the best life possible.

[@williamhaggard451]

Winter will be greatly missed at Clearwater aquarium leaving a mark on everyone's hearts 💔💔🤐🤐

[@nicolawanless693]

Thank you so much winter for showing us that disabilities can never stop us from being ourselfs Your a big inspiration ♥️❤

[@madisoncox5707]

Thankyou winter for inspiring me and my friend With your stories of love and hope u will be missed 😭😭😭😭

[@odysseyflyer4017]

Rest In Peace Winger. We all loved you so much! We know for sure that Panama and Winter and swimming together!

[@ericriley922]

This was so beautiful I love you so much winter rip I no that you have your tale back now and you will swim and play forever you changed the world and brought happiness to millions of people you were loved by so many

[@UrFav_Ella22]

WELOVE YOU WINTER

[@ChewyEdits9638]

Rip sweet 16 Winter we love and miss you

[@pamelaguzman7516]

My heart is still broken that winter os gone . But she lived an incredible life dispite her sufferings . She taught us a lot and her legacy will live on. Be free winter. I will see you one day in heaven. I love you so much. Be free ❤️🙏🏼

[@gerardroll6468]

Long may Winter’s spirit live on in the hallowed halls & seas of CMA ✊️😔🐬💖. Forever gone… But NEVER forgotten… R.I.P Winter 💖🐬💖

[@isabellaizzy6772]

I’ll miss you, Winter. Dolphin Tale will never be the same without you.

[@marla4433]

God will take care of you now WINTER!!! She's swimming in heaven making other people happy

[@rebeccagilmore2697]

Rest In Peace Winter! We have and always will love you! You were the best dolphin any marine specialist and person they could ask for. You loved everyone no matter who they were. Even though I never got to see you, I still believe you apart of my family and heart. We love you so much! It must have been really hard on the cam staff to let you go like they did. Sending love to you Winter! And to the CMA caretakers who looked after you and everyone who loves you! No matter where you are, we will always remember and love you Winter! Be safe and happy up in that endless ocean you are in now. Take care Winter! We love you!❤️😔😭🥰❤️

[@minahilbaig1822]

R.I.P winter. Thank you CMA for saving Winter. ❤🐬

[@eviedewees7365]

Winter I love you so much! I will never forget you and I will see you in Heaven one day. Rest In Peace sweet one

[@johnmichael2692]

We are all gonna miss you winter 💙

[@rogertabatt7980]

RIP Winter. It was great getting to work with you as a volunteer for MM dept. Lotsa love from above.

[@autumnshank7989]

I still cry every tim i hear about her i love you CMA

[@lindseyhardie6972]

Reat in peace winter u will always have a special place in our hearts😢

[@hermiemama8932]

Your incredible story has touched the hearts of millions. Our dear and beloved Winter, you will live on forever. 💕🌈 RIP precious angel

[@mi.chelle_1430]

Beautiful ❤️ swim like you’ve never done up there winter

[@donren6695]

Time moves on. But legacy lives forever in our hearts and soul

[@cathyscott3690]

To a beautiful soul. She's at peace and where she can be what she was meant to be. Free swimming and at her very best!!!❤❤❤ swim baby girl 🐬🐬🐬

[@kiwisweetheart71]

I saw Winter's movie. She was so precious. Rest in love, Winter. From NZ.

[@Stanleysandbarshark]

Me and my friends are going to miss winter

[@spencerborelli2007]

She is in a better place now but we all miss you winter😭💓💓💓

[@monicaematagulay5324]

Precious Winter you will always be loved.