Dolphin Died of Inoperable Condition; "There Was Nothing We Could Have Done," Said Vet.

CLEARWATER, FL — Winter the dolphin died of intestinal torsion, a condition in which the intestines randomly twist on themselves and block the flow of blood.

Those were the results of a necropsy performed on the dolphin Friday following her death Thursday night, said Clearwater Marine Aquarium veterinarian Dr. Shelly Marquardt during a news conference.

"We still have other test results pending, but they won't be back for several weeks. These are the preliminary findings," she said. "This was performed with a group of veterinary experts from around the country. They were all involved in this and this was a collaborative effort. Given the location of where this was, it was not an operable condition and there was nothing we could have done. We take great comfort in know we did everything we could for her, and we made her as comfortable as possible and, ultimately, she passed away with her caregivers and all the people that loved her the most."

As she concluded her comments, Marquardt lost her composure, tearing up as she said, "She's the starriest little dolphin I ever met, and we learned so much from her and was privileged to have 16 years with her. "

Prior to Winter’s death, veterinarian specialists from across the country were consulted in an attempt to save the famous dolphin, star of the Warner Brothers film, "Dolphin Tale."

It's unknown if the condition was related to the dolphin losing her tail after being found caught in a crab trap 16 years ago with the crab trap line wrapped around her tail.

After being rescued and brought to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium at 2 months old, the dolphin nearly died several times from her injuries and her survival was uncertain. her 16 years at the aquarium.

Nevertheless, both aquarium staff and fans were awed by her will to live and indomitable spirit. She went on to live for 16 years despite her injury.

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A private early-morning memorial ceremony will be held on Clearwater Beach Saturday, Nov. 20, for all active CMA staff, interns and volunteers. Details are forthcoming and will be provided separately to the team.

All are welcome to join a Celebration of Life at Clearwater Marine Aquarium beginning on Saturday with extended dates through Wednesday, Nov. 24. Guests are encouraged to bring their memories of Winter and to enjoy the home she helped the Clearwater Marine Aquarium build for her and all non-releasable animals.

In remembrance of Winter’s 16 years of life, admission to CMA will be reduced to $16 on Saturday, Nov. 20. and Sunday, Nov. 21. A portion of all funds go toward the care of the rescued and resident animals as well as the aquarium's mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release marine life.

There will be visual tributes to Winter as well as a special presentation on Winter’s life and legacy. Original footage of Winter’s rescue, her life and those she touched through her inspiring story will also be shown in the Dolphin Tale theater throughout each day.

On Saturday evening, a private memorial will be held for all CMA community partners and elected officials. This event will be livestreamed on WintertheDolphin.com.

Those unable to attend in person to join virtually at RememberingWinter.com.

In lieu of flowers, the aquarium is asking fans to consider making a gift to Clearwater Marine Aquarium toward its mission.

The nonprofit aquarium currently has a capital campaign in progress to build a habitat for manatees rescued from red tide poisoning and the growing shortage of seagrass, the main food of manatees. To date, 567 people have contributed $30,103 through Winter's Ever Loved website, featuring a timeline of events in the dolphin's life including receiving the first prosthetic dolphin tail and meeting her best friends, fellow rescued dolphin Hope and PJ, for the first time.

"Throughout her time with us, she thrived, and her story of survival inspired millions of people around the world. From her countless 'Dolphin Tale' fans to her visitors, she has touched the hearts of everyone. Every day, Winter showed us anything is possible if we believe," the aquarium wrote in Winter's obituary. "We will miss her dolphin tweets and spunky-yet-sweet personality, her mat laying and bubble-ring blowing playtime, and how she always seemed to know who needed her support the most. We will miss Winter. Though Winter’s time with us has come to an end, her spirit and inspiration will continue to live on in our hearts forever."

There is also a growing memorial for the dolphin outside the aquarium with stuffed animals, flowers, candles and notes.

See related stories:

• Fisherman Recalls The Day He Found Winter Caught In A Crab Trap
• Winter The Dolphin's Death Mourned By Fans, Aquarium Staff
• Winter The Dolphin In Critical Condition; Top Experts Consulted
• Fans Around The World Send Get-Well Wishes To Winter The Dolphin
• Winter The Dolphin Reunited With Rescuer 14 Years Later