Winter the Dolphin, star of 'Dolphin Tale', dies in Clearwater

Winter the Dolphin died Thursday evening after fighting an infection this week, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium said.

[@autochad5519]

RIP Winter. My wife and I got to see Winter for the first time in May of 2007 while on vacation. This was our first vacation after getting married in 2006. My wife loves dolphins and aquariums, and the original CMA was within walking distance from our hotel room. We went to CMA spontaneously the one day. We were walking around and saw the boathouse, signage, and other stuff from the movie. We didn't know about it, so we asked a worker. She told us that there was a movie filmed about Winter and that it hasn't been released yet. We went up and watched the showing of Winter. It was very respectful of her and her condition. We then filmed Winter while everyone else walked away. Winter came right over to us and hung out there by us. We talked to her and she was looking at us and the camera. Winter was trying to talk to us by making noises to us when we spoke to her. It was a great day. We have gone about 3 times since over the years, when we can afford to travel that far from Ohio. We made sure we go visit her any time God gives us the ability to go. Sadly we will never be able to visit her again, but plan on visiting CMA again sometime in the future. God bless them and how well they take care of those animals in need. We will miss you Winter. 😭

[@beccameland3660]

I just saw her this summer. I’m so glad I got to see her before she died.❤️Love you Winter. Hope and PJ are going to be devastated.

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

Who is PJ?

[@beccameland3660]

@@RedRoseSeptember22 she is Panama Jr

[@karynaaboytes5587]

What about Nicolas 🐬

[@andreasmith5396]

PJ just recently passed

[@abigailhee6328]

Who is PJ?,

[@stephenbrown4211]

So sad to hear of her passing. Condolences to everyone at CMA. That mantle of inspiration now passed on to Hope.

[@wickedwitchoftheeast88]

I'm so upset Winter was so beautiful and inspiring 😭😭 RIP ❤❤

[@mollydao2173]

RIP Winter you will always be remembered😭

[@avajanay]

Omg no. 😭 she was such an inspiration. Poor Hope.

[@Jaklynnnn_s]

HOPE IS ALL IM THINKING ABOUT!! At least Winter is with Panama

[@gamerpup5034]

@@Jaklynnnn_s I am happy for that too

[@gamerpup5034]

Also hope has PJ they are together

[@Jaklynnnn_s]

@@gamerpup5034 yeah that's true but still.. she has known Winter since she was a baby

[@snowleopard1566]

Maybe they'll add nicholas to the tank with her and she still has PJ

[@chloe_3787]

My entire childhood just died too. I watched those frickin movies day in and day out. It drove my family up the wall. Now at 18 I can’t believe the blip in history I was lucky enough to live through.

[@revelare_xvii6269]

She may be gone, but she’ll live on in our memories and hearts. Rest In Peace Winter.

[@DreamScapeDronie]

Clearwater Summer won't be the same without you Winter. R.I.P

[@ambermarielewis9353]

Where did u get the summer part from?

[@DreamScapeDronie]

@@ambermarielewis9353 My family visits in the summer and we go to the Clearwater aquarium and used to see Winter, so we will miss him this summer coming up when we visit.

[@kayla1096]

She was such a beautiful soul❤️

[@disneygirl4life675]

Wow this is so unfortunate. I’ve always wanted to meet her. She’ll be missed deeply

[@disneygirl4life675]

@WolfGemss You can still go see Hope and PJ

[@sherriebrown8116]

So sad to hear about Winter's passing. I love Winter. Thank you to the staff for caring for Winter and the other dolphin. Winter will be forever in my heart and greatly missed.

[@primmoore6232]

CMA is home to 4 other bottlenose dolphins, 2 young rough-tooth dolphins, turtles, rays, otters, and other sea creatures that need care to stay healthy. The staff is the greatest!

[@taylorbrackrog6217]

Rest In Peace Winter Dolphin’s are my favorite animals in the ocean

[@KingCobra-ie6ce]

I went there and I wake up in Clearwater hearing my favorite dolphin dies and I came here to see her

[@katierogers9141]

I literally cried hear this! Years ago I got feed pet and play with her!!!! She will be missed! I have a prosthetic leg so can definitely relate! Winter is an inspiration to me !

[@beckyc5930]

Never the same. She touched our lives and I pray she will never be forgotten. Also please keep eye on Hope. Depression and possible sickness could manifest there too. I know I'm sick with heartbreak 💔

[@sparxstreak02]

She has PJ for companionship so she’s not alone which is good.

[@primmoore6232]

The human team is giving the other dolphins extra special attention right now.

[@beckyc5930]

@@primmoore6232 it's just so sad and I know others are devistated as well...both human and animal. I hope they consider putting together a forever memorial in Winters honor....maybe a collaboration if all the lives she touched. I know there are many videos people are sharing. Be great if that ended up on DVD or even movie

[@primmoore6232]

@@beckyc5930, great idea! Maybe like a sequel to the documentary *"Winter, The Dolphin That Can"* with interviews and testamonials by those she inspired.

[@beckyc5930]

@@primmoore6232 exactly!!!! I'd cry thru the whole thing but I did to others too

[@irishnation168]

Let's take a moment of silence to honor Winter's life

[@emilianosolis326]

I got to see winter for the first time this July I began to cry when I heard the news

[@molliuspontmercy]

Hearing she passed of possible gastrointestinal issues breaks my heart as I myself suffer from Crohn's Disease, which is considered a gastrointestinal issue. She has always been such an inspiration to me and being from the UK, I never got to meet her. I was 5 when Dolphin Tale came out and she's been in my heart ever since, she's in a better place now though and she's lived when no one thought she would. RIP sweet girl ❤️

[@rpredator3088]

We all love you Winter 🐬 ❤️ and we also love your residents as well.

[@abigray8585]

Awww, rip winter. Loved dolphin tale. She was amazing and she lived until 16. She wouldn’t have survived in the wild, they gave her a good life. 🤍🤍🤍

[@pokemoncrazed792]

I can't believe she died. I loved her and was a huge fan. That's an understatement. All my life I've wanted to work there. I loved winter even though I only got to see her once.

[@sunnywen4080]

So sad to know, RIP Winter ! love you always!

[@MonicaCarroll94]

I loved both Dolphin Tale movies, and following Winter & Hope’s journey I’m so beyond saddened to hear that Winter passed away she was one of a kind and an inspiration to so many! She will forever be missed and never forgotten and her legacy and memory will live on through Hope and all the other dolphins at Clearwater Aquarium 🐬😢💔🥺

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodmu2374]

Now watching dolphin tale hit super different it hit the heart ❤️ 😭😭

[@MonicaCarroll94]

@@yourfriendlyneighborhoodmu2374 I know right those movies won’t be the same without Winter 🐬🥺

[@joshuagallatin8271]

💔😭 Just rewatching the news is shooting holes in my heart. My condolences to CMA. May she Rest In Peace, and may her memories be a blessing.

[@beccameland3660]

I’m am so sad winter was my inspiration to do better

[@teresaschug6192]

This really breaks my heart, God bless the staff, thank you so much for loving her, winter you will be missed by all those who loved you, swim free my friend,

[@dartthexenomorph4865]

Winter was so precious 😢

[@marcushorope4912]

So heartbreaking🥺🥺😭😭 I took my little niece to Florida 6 times to watch winter and I even put a movie for her like two weeks ago. She was very upset when she heard this🥺😭. My niece and I were so glad we get to see her every time. I like to thank the team who did everything possible to give her the best chance at her survival such as dedicated and talented professionals who helped winter❤ She truly inspired hope and her love by millions of people worldwide. Thank you winter🐬🙏🏼❤ Rest well.

[@jessicacoleman5085]

I love you winter dolphin. I miss you too

[@Sbilxz]

I remember going to white water. I got to pet winter. She was just amazing. I really cant believe she is gone. But when i get sad about her I always remember that she is in no pain, no sorrow, and is happy. Thank you god for taking care of winter. Thank you white water staff for making winter live the best life she could possibly have. And thank you winter for inspiring many across the world. R.I.P winter 2005-2021

[@Theflaminggunslinger]

I know my childhood is ruined!!😢😭

[@Dementepr_19]

Same here

[@michaelpericles8704]

Winter touched the lives of many people we will miss you but your memories live on with us from St Petersburg Fl

[@vickizimmerman604]

Such an incredible being!!🌹

[@KaydensExoticAnimals]

I been crying all day

[@playergameeee]

RIP Winter we love you 🐬💙

[@1notredamefightingirishfan494]

Rest in peace Winter ❤ 😭

[@douglasvitrano]

5 days later and I still can’t stop myself from tearing up and feeling like my heat is being torn apart

[@plumsparkles945]

May she rest in peace. 🙏

[@u4zaEDITS]

I thought she would still be alive to this day. I saw that movie 10 years ago. And I always wanted to visit her. Rest In Peace.

[@williepace5735]

RIP Winter. You will be missed.

[@rachelkristine4669]

So sad....she obviously brought alot of attention to her species & their plight.....just like Keiko did, here in Newport, Oregon.....went & saw him several times & was even in the parade when he 1st came to town....& the entire area was devastated when he died, so I totally understand how everyone might be feeling right now! Why is it that it's ALWAYS the truly innocent who hafta go 1st, especially when we are not prepared for it! 😔🤷‍♀️

[@katierogers9141]

I am so sad! You have my condolences CMA!

[@sarahkate5010]

Rest easy beautiful winter we will all miss u dearly may heaven look after u up there

[@thee6618]

Nooo🥺 I’m learning about winter in school, and I was so interested in her. My teacher told me there was a live camera of watching winter and I couldn’t find it. I looked up winter and I found this. Winter was an amazing dolphin. I’ve never seen her, but having to go through all of that is heartbreaking. Rest In Peace Winter. We all love you❤️😢

[@williamsanchez8464]

Winter the dolphin died so sad rest in peace winter now you don't have to worry about covid and mask and social distanceing christmas present is here today Christmas past is past Christmas future is far away make sure to give my grandpa a hug and a high five 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@selenaali1999]

Here's to the 1st full year without her. I'm honoring her by watching Dolphin Tale and I'm currently watching Dolphin Tale 2. Rest in peace Winter.

[@kiramiller570]

She touched so many people in the world 💔💔💔💔🐬🐬🐬🐬

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodmu2374]

R.I.P winter you will fly high and you will be Greatly missed

[@sarahann530]

Do dead dolphins get wings ?

[@lindar.3283]

My granddaughter loved the moves. I am so sorry for all of you. And my granddaughter dream was to see winter in person 😭. WE LOVE YOU WINER ❤❤.

[@logandetwiler4483]

This is so sad

[@tweetysworld52]

I'm so sad..

[@justyouraveragesadguyontheinte]

Bro I watched that in the theaters, she was an amazing beast. She fought and lived well, swim free magicals creature. You can now swim for all of time with no worries

[@verdaschultz2446]

I am happy I got to see her you will be missed dearly winter

[@ChewyEdits9638]

I loved Winter she is my favorite dolphin Hope is my 2nd favorite

[@MD-2008]

I love Dolphins and Winter was my favorite. We are similar I had a GI appointment and actually had a scope today at the hospital that’s beside the point tho. I loved Winter and I will miss her and poor Hope. 😭

[@ForeverWinterandHope]

Poor Hope, Poor PJ, CMA...

[@allidragon7041]

Thank you Winter. I was planning on seeing you if I ever went to Florida, but I hope you have a good time with your family. 😪🐬

[@Dementepr_19]

I remember watching the movies when I was younger 🥺🥺🥺💜💜💜💜💜💜🐬🐬🥺🥺💜💜🥺🥺🐬

[@kaylasecoy295]

I love dolphins so much you will be missed, Winter

[@erinpotts9621]

So sad emotional day.

[@MorgansArtwork]

I can't believe she is gone. I LOVE HER SO MUCH!😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@h5244888]

Cannot believe my ears that the beloved winter, has passed on from us all. She will be missed by many and her legacy lives on forever! So glad I got the opportunity to watch the movies of dolphin tail. 😭😭😭😭😩😩😩😩😢😢😢😢

[@animallovers1122]

I’ve always wanted to see her. But I know she’s gone but she will always be in our heart because she is the best dolphin ever and Hope to is a great dolphin 🐬 😭😭😭😭😭

[@karmen2323]

Sorry I never got down there to meet her. RIP

[@trinistar1930]

Jesús, hope she is in a better place Rip

[@luv.georgie5047]

RIP Sweet Girl, she inspired so many people. She was so many peoples childhood, including mine. I will never forget her ❤️ I wish I could have gotten to meet her, it had always been my dream.

[@rhyleighrenegar397]

Winter and also One more thing I want you to now that you were a great mom to hope ❤ and we everybody will keep hope safe for you. Love you winter ❤ 💙 💛 💕 😘 💗 ❤

[@elliott_hunter0510]

i remember seeing her, years and years ago. we were born about the same time. this news was so sudden. surgery is so dangerous, i just wish that she didn’t go this way 😔

[@ashleynickel607]

I never met her but I watch both movies and she was my favorite dolphin made me cry 😭😭😭

[@Zaiqahal]

Dolphin Tale is one of my favorite movies. Wish I decided to see Winter in person, but I didn't.

[@infinite272]

I remember seeing winter when I was ten and I wanted to show my six year niece but now I can’t 😭😭😭

[@captainkhakis9826]

So sad, just went to Clearwater Aquarium 2 weeks ago and got to meet Winter, 😢

[@christinecalifornia8136]

Very sad but at same time it is a blessing, no longer thriving is not good. Much love and respect to everyone who extended her precious life by getting her a tail!! Swim free now...you have made it over the rainbow💞🌠💖

[@jenniferleskovar1047]

I miss winter so much

[@MonicaBarlow-Judd]

I got the chance to see winter when the website came out and everyday I watched her I'm so very sad to hear she's died my. Heart will never heal again form me and my sister Sabrina Harriman we are very sorry to Clearwater aquarium for their traumatic loss

[@christiancolarusso5835]

Did she die from an infection?

[@MonicaBarlow-Judd]

@@christiancolarusso5835 a gastrol infection

[@letsdive1554]

At least she had a safe and happy life😭🥺🥺I’m so glad people look up to her

[@noah_sterecraxx]

I am glad I went with my friend Ellie before she died..

[@inkboi5738]

I’m just sad watching this my friend and I went there to see her and it was the time of our lives

[@animallovers1122]

So sad 😭 Winter was a amazing dolphin 🐬 and my favourite 😍

[@mwhitevegas]

My deepest sympathy for the loss of Winter the Dolphins 🐬 and condolences to CMA 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@celeesanewton6763]

when i first saw this i stared it over and thats when i started to cry i'm so happy hope is still allive R.I.P winter

[@Free-our-freedom]

Hope, needs hope now!

[@kinley2954]

she has pj atleast

[@LonEr4evah]

So sad... thanks Winter for the joy and thanks Clearwater for all you do to save animals 👏

[@erinpotts9621]

Say goodbye farewell so sad.

[@jackthedog727]

R.I.p winter my best friend loves winter she was so upset she was dead I was also sad:(

[@Luna_hybrid6]

My mom told me and I am crying right now 😢 at least I got to see her and hope at the Marine aquarium before she died 😔😭😢

[@lorithompson8760]

I saw her 3times and I miss her I’m crying hard😢❤️💔🙏🏻

[@Luna_hybrid6]

@@lorithompson8760 I now how you feel it’s really sad 😞

[@abigailhee6328]

I can't believe that happened. I have the *Dolphin Tale 1 and 2*. I wish i got to meet her before she passed on. 😭😭😭

[@lindawhitver4740]

I am so sorry. I got to see her three times. There was a vibe from her. 😭

[@juliis2585]

Noooo😭😭😭😭😭😭We'll miss you winter, you were the legend of all dolphins😭😭😭😭😭

[@SZ_171]

I never got to meet her we were planning to go to florida clearwater just for winter i just have have 2 years left to go to florida i told my mom that winter died which i never got to meet her i rest in peace winter

[@reolex3166]

Rip Winter you will always live in our heart 😭❤️ I still cant believe she died i just watch all of her movie before finding out she died😭😭😭😭

[@reolex3166]

and also thanks to the staff that help take care of her😭

[@0kmadelynbackinbusiness884]

I can’t stop crying and I don’t think I will. at least I got a chance to go to the aquarium and watch and learn from winter

[@jadetucker9805]

I can't stop crying since my mom told me I'm so sad

[@Kate-ln1vp]

This is so sad she will be missed so much! She is awesome! 😢

[@animallovers1122]

Don’t even want to watch videos that says that she is gone because it makes me want to cry 😭

[@ItsKolaa_]

Omg poor Nicholas Hope and pj And Bailey Aww I feel bad for the others

[@tayloroconnell8906]

MY INPERATIONALWAYS AND FOREVER!!!!!💜💙🧡💛💚❤️

[@brittanysanderson374]

We love you winter we will miss you

[@chadmartin4832]

i love winter so bad shes my hero

[@rhyleighrenegar397]

Winter I can't believe you are dead I love you ❤ so much because dolphins are my favorite ocean animal and I want everybody to know that winter will always be apart of everybody's family. We Love you winter ❤ 😘😍🥰😘😍🥰❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@rinarouge7837]

Believe she's gone I didn't even get to see her or say goodbye I miss her so much I love you with her you are in my heart forever and always 🥺