The Wandering Disciple

Winter the Dolphin was a star of the Tampa Bay Area. She entertained thousands of visitors each year at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and inspired the world with her rescue story that was the basis of a book which later became a Hollywood film. In 2005, Winter was found trapped in a crab trap off the east coast of Florida. The injury resulted in the loss of her tail and later she would receive a prosthetic tail. The story of rescue and rehabilitation became the premise for the book and movie Dolphin Tale. Winter lived happily at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where she spent time playing with her trainers and showing the world how she wasn't letting her disability hold her back. Winter became ill this month and despite the best efforts of her staff, she died Thursday night in the arms of her care team. In honor of this amazing 16-year old dolphin who was an inspiration to people with disabilities, today's Photo of the Day is in memory of Winter the Dolphin. (Photo: May...

Nicholas the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin gives a smile as he swims in his new home at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Nicholas and his mother were rescued in 2012 after becoming stranded near Gibsonton, Florida. Both dolphins suffered severe burns and Nicholas's mother died from her injuries. The staff at the aquarium provided round the clock care for Nicholas and he recovered and is now a permanent resident of the aquarium. He can be seen enjoying his home on the dolphin terrace overlooking Clearwater Bay. (Photo: May 18, 2019)