Hope The Dolphin Presents New Aquarium Pal With 1st Holiday Gift

CLEARWATER, FL — Here's a bit of holiday cheer from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where it's been a difficult month for both the staff and dolphin residents following the death of the aquarium's star dolphin, Winter.

Apollo, a 2-year-old dolphin found stranded, starving and covered in parasites on May 15 near Playalinda Beach, Florida, was permanently transferred to the Clearwater aquarium last week.

On Saturday morning, Apollo celebrated his first Christmas at the aquarium with the help of his new pal, Hope the dolphin. Staff gave Hope a selection of ornaments, and she picked out which ones she wanted to add to Apollo's miniature Christmas tree. She then congratulated herself on her choices by enthusiastically clapping her flippers together.

Apollo was then given with his first buoy toy, the universal favorite plaything of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. He wasted no time chasing his new toy around the pool and tossing it into the air with his nose.

After Apollo was found stranded seven months ago, the National Marine Mammal Foundation performed a round of tests on the dolphin and found that Apollo had less than half the full range of hearing for a typical Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, thus compromising his ability to echo locate (or swim around without bumping into obstacles.)

The NMFS, the United States federal agency that determines if a rescued animal is a candidate for release or should remain permanently in the care of an aquarium, decided Apollo's best chance of survival was at the Clearwater aquarium.

"Our team is overjoyed to welcome a new family member to CMA," said Dr. James "Buddy" Powell, executive director of the aquarium.

Meanwhile, the aquarium has created Winter's Permanent Legacy Endowment to help care for other injured dolphins like Apollo.

"Through a collaboration with the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, this permanent endowment establishes a long-term sustainability strategy for the future of our organization," said Powell.

Beginning in January, gifts to Winter's endowment will be invested, and a portion of the annual income from the investment will be used to address any immediate needs. The remaining funds will be reinvested to support the CMA.

Winter's cremated remains will be spread in the Gulf of Mexico in January, surrounded by all the staff that cared for her through the years.

"Returning Winter to her natural home is a poetic ending to her incredible 16-year journey, and we couldn't think of a better way to lay her spirit to rest," said Powell.

Click here to donate to the endowment fund.

See related story: Amidst Tragic Loss Of Winter, Aquarium Finds Reason To Celebrate