Photo by Darin Ashby, “Vacation in Cozumel” / Unsplash.com

By: Emma So

Winter the Dolphin’s story has become a favourite for millions. In fact, her story is so touching, two movies were made in her honour titled “Dolphin Tale”. While swimming in the coastal waters of Florida, the renowned dolphin lost her tail to a crab trap. Winter was then taken to a local sanctuary and given a prosthetic tail, inspiring the heart-warming story about her journey living with her new-found appendage. The story has created an advancement in the prosthetic research field, while the movie also became a household favourite; especially with young children and individuals who currently live with a prosthetic limb themselves. 

On November 11, 2021 the Clearwater Marine Aquarium released a statement that the beloved dolphin died due to twisted intestines.The staff did their best to minimize the pain, but the aquarium explained that, “Because of Winter’s injury and the distortion it caused in her body, she was more prone to facing health complications since her rescue 16 years ago.”

Winter will be missed greatly by all, and will never be forgotten for the impact she has made in the medical field and in our hearts.

Works Cited

Guardian staff reporter. “Winter, Celebrity Dolphin given Prosthetic Tail, Died of Twisted Intestines.” The Guardian, The Guardian, 13 Nov. 2021, http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/13/winter-dolphin-cause-of-death. Accessed 18 Nov. 2021.

“Dolphin Tale Set – Clearwater Marine Aquarium.” Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 2011, http://www.cmaquarium.org/winters-inspiration/dolphin-tale/. Accessed 29 Nov. 2021.