This Dolphin Tale had a very happy ending

The Sea Life Safari tour docks at an island in the middle of Clearwater Bay.

Clearwater, FL — Sometimes things just work out. Lemons are converted to lemonade. A sunny day follows a rainy one. Prayers are answered.
It’s difficult, however, envisioning there could be a happy ending to a dolphin losing its tail. But that is indeed the tale of Winter, the dolphin.

Those of you who have seen the well-made, heart-warming movies Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2 know the “based on a true story” shown in the movie. But the real story is equally amazing. The real and Hollywood versions of the story are on display every day at Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida.

In 2005, the three-month old dolphin (named Winter because it was December) was discovered on the east coast of Florida entangled in a crab trap. Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), a rescue and rehabilitation facility, was called to take her. In real life her tail eventually fell off because of her injuries. In the movie the tail was amputated.

In the fictionalized version Morgan Freeman played a rehab specialist at a veteran’s hospital who helped devise a prosthetic tail for her. The real life heroes, however, were the owners and staff of Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics, who heard about Winter’s plight and developed a prosthetic tail for the aquarium at no cost. The company to this day continues to research and modify the tail for Winter.

Hope is the star of the second movie. Authorities threated to remove Winter from the aquarium because federal law requires that they have a companion. Hope became that companion. Hope was rescued five years after Winter in nearly the same spot. Her mother had died. She was very small and extremely dehydrated.

The rehabilitation of Winter and Hope at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is really the story of the day-to-day work by staff and a huge compliment of volunteers. The compelling story of Winter, however, has resonated around the world and made a huge financial impact on them.

The aquarium’s predecessor volunteer organization was started in 1972, In 1978 the city of Clearwater donated a former water treatment plant, which has been modified and expanded over time. When Winter’s story hit the news media after her rescue, attendance started a steady rise that has since exploded with the release of the two movies. Attendance is now approaching a million visitors a year.

The aquarium had announced plans for a multi-million-dollar facility in downtown Clearwater, several miles away from its current location near Clearwater Beach. But those plans were shelved in favor of an expansion, including more parking, at its current location.

The popularity of the movie allowed the non-profit organization to open a second leased facility in downtown Clearwater that focuses on the two movies. Shuttle buses and boats take visitors back and forth between the two facilities.

I have visited the aquarium several times, most recently this summer. Each time I visit there is more to see and do. But one thing has remained constant. This is not Sea World with shows of dolphins performing tricks. It is a research and rehabilitation facility that also tells the amazing stories of Winter and Hope, both of whom live there and can be regularly viewed swimming in their tanks

The aquarium volunteer staff run educational programs throughout the day where you can learn about their two stars’ rescue. Other animals that have been rescued that can be viewed there include sea turtles, otter, sharks, pelicans and stingrays.

There are underwater viewing areas for both Winter and Hope and also for Sawyer, a rescued sera turtle. You can also view the hospital and rehabilitation and feeding area. On the second floor are demonstration areas where Winter and Hope appear periodically throughout the day.

The downtown Winter’s Dolphin Take Adventure features memorabilia from the movies and the history of Winter and Hope along with other exhibits

Perhaps the most interesting activities when visiting CMA are the opportunities to get out on the water. Dolphin Adventure Tour, Sea Life Safari and guided kayak tours are all available at an extra cost.

I have taken the Sea Life Safari several times. Pontoon boats cruise Clearwater Bay. Volunteers drop a net and haul up marine life to view. The pontoons also stop at an island in the middle of Clearwater Bay where you can wander around and collect shells. On my trip in July we passed by several frolicking dolphins.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is by far not the only thing to do in Clearwater. It has one of the consistently highest rated beaches in the country. Every day at sundown at Pier 60 on the beach there’s a festival with entertainers and vendors.

The beach is great for kids with plenty of playground equipment to entertain them when they get tired of splashing in the placid Gulf of Mexico or building sand castles.

The beach town is filled with bars and other entertainment venues for adults and some great seafood restaurants. The main street of Clearwater Beach, Mandalay Avenue, is lined with typical beach shops in addition to many restaurants.

The mainland city of Clearwater has done some work to spiffy up the old downtown, including renovation of the historic Capitol Theater. But the center of town is mostly dominated by buildings for the Flag Headquarters for the controversial Church of Scientology. At lunch time it is kind of weird seeing a lot of young people walking around dressed alike. There’s an uneasy truce between the town and church

Accommodations range from the high-end AAA Four Diamond Sandpearl Resort to more modest chain hotels and motels. Rates are generally lower in the summer and higher in winter and early spring, particularly at college spring break time.

Admission to both CMA locations is $21.95; $19.95 for ages 60 and above; and $16.95 for ages 3-12. A combination ticket that includes the Sea Life Safari costs $40.95; $37.95 for ages 60 and above; and $29.90 for ages 3-12.

For more information about Clearwater Marine Aquarium check out: http://www.seewinter.com/

For more information about Clearwater go to: http://www.visitclearwaterflorida.com/

Cover photo of Winter courtesy of Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com