Parents, movie fans and animal care workers are among those taking to social media to express their sorrow at the death Thursday night of Winter the dolphin, who was under treatment for a suspected gastrointestinal infection at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Rescued from crab-trap rope near Cape Canaveral, Winter was fitted with a prosthetic tail and became an inspiration to people with disabilities and fans worldwide at the aquarium where she lived for 15 years. Her story was told in the hit 2011 movie "Dolphin Tale" and a sequel featuring Hope, another dolphin cared for at the aquarium.
More than 20,000 people had posted their condolences at the aquarium’s Facebook page by 8:30 a.m. Friday. Many more posted on Twitter and Instagram, including people who tagged the stars of the movie — Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd and Harry Connick Jr.
Another star, Austin Highsmith Garces, who played the head dolphin specialist Phoebe in both films, posted on Twitter, “How can I put into words what Winter meant to me & to millions of kids and people … this one little dolphin changed the world.”
Plans for a public memorial service Saturday were to be released Friday, said aquarium spokesperson Kelsy Long.
Many of the Facebook posts included photos and drawings from visits with Winter through the years. One mother posted a photo of her young son curled up asleep with a stuffed Winter toy, which she said he embraced after she informed him of the dolphin’s death.
“So heartbreaking to hear! We met Winter one summer years ago,” April Smith said in a post. “Our youngest daughter was in a cast and winter came to glass and hung out with her and did not leave her until we finally had to walk away. She will always be remembered!
“This is beyond sad news,” said Claudio Thalmann. “We were due to visit you guys on Saturday to see you all again after 3 years. Our son Thiago just tonight made this picture wishing Winter a quick recovery.”
“You gave Winter a second chance at life and boy do you give her the best life,” said Scott Fehlinger. “Thank you for doing what you do for the wildlife and I will always cherish the memories that we made while visiting Winter and all of her friends and family. You are all in our heart especially you Hope.”
“Please know your fellow animal caregivers in facilities all over the country are holding you all in our thoughts, lifting you with prayer, and grieving with you,” said Shea Eaves. “Winter was given an incredible second chance at life, because of everyone at CMA. Her precious life was, and will continue to be, a testament to what strength and willpower can overcome.”
