

A prosthetic-tailed dolphin named Winter fell ill in mid-November at a Florida aquarium. Experts from around the country attempted life-saving efforts. Sadly, the famous dolphin died while being held by caregivers.
God has compassion on all creation. (Psalm 136:25) And while being made in God’s image makes humans special, God cares about animals too. (Luke 12:6-7)
Winter was two months old when her tail became entangled in a crab trap. The snare forced a tail amputation. The 2011 movie Dolphin Tale chronicled Winter’s recovery and the extraordinary effort to fit her with a prosthetic tail. Three years later, Dolphin Tale 2 continued the story.
The Dolphin Tale movies put the Clearwater Marine Aquarium on the map internationally. “This place wouldn’t be here if it [weren’t] for Winter,” aquarium president James “Buddy” Powell says.
Winter died of twisted intestines. The damaged organs were impossible to reach through surgery. The dolphin had experienced intestinal issues before, but never like this, says Powell.
Aquarium staff worked around the clock to save 16-year-old Winter and minimize her pain.
“While we are heartbroken by Winter’s death, we are comforted knowing that our team did everything possible to give her the best chance at survival,” says veterinarian Shelly Marquardt.
Aquarium staff say the twisted intestine condition is found in stranded wild dolphins “as well as any living being with intestines.” They add, “Because of Winter’s injury and the distortion it caused in her body, she was more prone to facing health complications since her rescue.”
Shortly after Winter arrived in 2005, the aquarium partnered with the largest U.S. provider of prosthetic limbs to create her tail. Winter might have survived without one by using her side flippers to swim. But experts believe that would have led to skeletal misalignment and other health issues.
Dolphin skin is so thin it can be cut with a fingernail. So attaching the tail without harming Winter was a problem. Eventually, researchers created a soft silicone-like sleeve. The prosthetic tail slid snugly over the sleeve.
Human prosthetics now use such sleeves too! The devices have nearly eliminated skin sores.
Winter’s rehab inspired people around the world. Fans—including autistic children and soldiers with missing limbs—made pilgrimages to visit her. As the dolphin’s final illness became known, the aquarium received thousands of support messages.
Aquarium officials say, “This amazing response reminds us of how deeply she has affected millions, including so many on their own health journey.”
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. . . . Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. — Luke 12:6-7
Why? God cares for all His creatures, and He also allows for humans to help animals and animals to help humans—sometimes in unpredictable ways.
1st Comment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is so sad : .( . Winter was an amazing dolphin. We got to go and meet her in FL in Feb. of 2020. It was so cool!
awww :(
awww :(
3rd Comment
That is really sad :( I got to see her in 2015 or 2017
That's Sad. :(
That's sad. I've read about Winter before. It's so sad to hear that she passed away. :(
thats sad
that dolphin has a fake tail wow!!!!!!!!!!! tec has come a long way
sad
thats realy sad i never saw winter before but i saw the movies i wish i could have seen her before this happened
:(
Awwww that’s so sad. I almost cried when I read it in the magazine for the first time. I went and saw her in 2017! I loved the way she swam without her tail, she was fun to watch
:(
awwwwww this is so sad i wish my family had gone to see her when we went to FL but we didnt :( but the movie about her is really cool
; c
I have all was wanted to see her but now so sad ;c
So Sad
i did not that Winter died until i read this. i wish i could have seen her! but i have watched the movie and it is soo cute!
rest in peace winter :(
rest in peace winter :(
Oh my word; dear Winter. Rest
Oh my word; dear Winter. Rest in peace wonderful dolphin.
my 2nd comment
my second comment on this article was my sisters i share an account with my sister
@Above
I hadn't even heard about her before, but she has a cool story! I can see how she would inspire people. My cousin had a prosthetic leg.
I got to see her she was so
I got to see her she was so strong such a fighter
:(
Sad. The movie was pretty good.
17th Comment
This is the first time I've ever heard of Winter. She seems like she was a strong, amazing dolphin. Rest in peace, Winter!!
So sad!!!
That is so sad! I did not know that Winter had died until I saw this . She was a very cool dolphin. I have seen both of her movies, they were awesome.
19th comment
I’ve seen the movies which are good. It is sad that Winter died. It is amazing that she could survive in her condition.
Sad.
Poor dolphin, probably attracted lots of people. . . Sad.
Winter the Dolphin
I’ve seen the movies and they are good. It is amazing that Winter could still swim in her condition. :[
I saw her when I was a
I saw her when I was a toddler so I don't remember but I do vaguely remember the aquarium. So sad! ;(
winter's death
I am very sad about winter's death. Me and my sister loved the movie and the true story behind it.;My sister loves wildlife and will be sad when she hears about it. Winter I am glad you lived through all these hardships and am glad you are with the lord now.
SOOOOOO SADDD
I wish Winter stayed a little longer on earth because I never was able to meet her and so desperately wanted to.
It's sad that Winter died but...
It's really sad that Winter died, but it's super cool that she unknowingly helped with prosthetics. Now, people can have prosthetic limbs more comfortably, all thanks to Winter.
very sad
the movies where cool, even though i never got to see her in person i watched the movies multiple times.
I wonder if there are any other injured animals like Winter who helped improve human comfort/health.