If you are planning a trip to Florida, I suggest visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to Winter and Hope, stars of the Dolphin Tale movies. After seeing the Dolphin Tale movies, I wanted to see Winter in person. I thought it was inspiring, how Winter never gave up, even after losing her tail. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is not your typical aquarium. It is a hospital for sick or injured marine animals. Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s mission is to rescue, rehab, and release as many marine animals as possible. While visiting the aquarium, I witnessed the impact they had on their resident animals.
Winter is Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s most famous resident. Winter was rescued, after being entangled in a crab trap. Shortly after she was rescued, Winter lost her tail, despite Clearwater Maine Aquarium’s efforts to try to save it. After losing her tail, her story was so popular, that Hollywood made a movie based on her rescue, Dolphin Tale. Winter’s story has inspired both children and adults with disabilities, including me. Winter taught me that even with a disability, I can do anything I set my mind to.
Hope, is another famous resident. Hope was rescued on December 11th, 2010, shortly after the first Dolphin Tale movie wrapped up filming. Hope was found trying to nurse from her dead mother, and was transported to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for rehabilitation. Due to her young age, Hope was deemed non-releasable. Hope is the star of Dolphin Tale 2, which tells her story. Hope and Winter are the best of friends, and both have inspired millions of people. Hope reminds me to never give up on my dreams.
Nicholas is Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s only male dolphin. Nicholas was rescued along with his mother, Noelle, on December 24th, 2002. Nicholas and his mother both sustained third degree sunburns. Unfortunately, Noelle passed away shortly after being rescued. Within months of being rescued, Nicholas’s sunburns healed, leaving behind scars on his back. Due to his young age, Nicholas was non-releasable. In Dolphin Tale 2, Nicholas played Mandy, one of Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s successful releases. The name, Nicholas, means victory. I wanted to meet Nicholas, to remind me that graduating collage was a victory for me.
Harold, aka Mavis, is one of Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s resident sea turtles. Harold was rescued on July 18th, 2010. After being admitted to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Harold had to have a tumor surgically removed. Shortly afterwards, it was discovered that Harold had some neurological issues, which caused him to have bad eyesight, and unable to forage for food. Harold soon became a permanent resident. Harold plays Mavis in Dolphin Tale 2.
Ricky is a great white pelican who resides at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Ricky played Rufus in both Dolphin Tale movies. He can also be seen in the movie, Zohan. Ricky serves as an ambassador for his species and other sea birds, bringing awareness to wildlife in the coastal waters.
Walle and Cooper are both North American river otters who call Clearwater Marine Aquarium their home. Walle was rescued at a very young age. Cooper was rescued by Clearwater Marine Aquarium in 2001, at a private citizen’s garage. Cooper suffers from partial paralysis.
Being able to see Winter, Hope Nicholas, Harold, and Ricky in person was inspiring. Each of these animals have overcome challenges, and are now thriving.
