Fisherman Recalls The Day He Found Winter Caught In A Crab Trap

CLEARWATER, FL — The Clearwater Marine Aquarium plans to hold a memorial on Saturday, Nov. 20, for Winter following the death Thursday night of the famous Atlantic bottlenose dolphin that starred in the movie, "Dolphin Tale."

The aquarium said additional details on the memorial to honor the impact she made on the world will be released soon.

In the meantime, fans are invited to share their memories online at RememberingWinter.com. For those who are local, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium plans to set up a temporary memorial outside the main staircase at the facility where fans can leave messages.

The 16-year-old dolphin called the Clearwater Marine Aquarium home since she was found as an orphaned calf entangled in a crab trap line in 2005. Her injuries resulted in her losing her tale.

The aquarium staff struggled save her, nearly losing her several times.

When she was strong enough, Dr. Mike Walsh, a leading marine mammal veterinarian who nursed Winter through the crisis, reached out to Carroll and Dan Strzempka at Hanger Clinic, a prosthetics company in Sarasota, to see if they could help the dolphin regain her ability to swim. As a result, the Strzempkas designed the world's first prosthetic dolphin tale for Winter.

To everyone's surprise, Winter took to the prosthetic device as if it were her natural tail. Over a period of several months, she learned the correct body position for the fitting of the WintersGel Prosthetic Liner to reduce skin friction and help keep her artificial tail securely in place.

Upon hearing the news of Winter's death, the Hanger Clinic posted a message to Winter on Facebook.

"Your resilience and courage inspired our entire community and everyone who came to know your story. It was a privilege to have provided your prosthetic care throughout the years. You’ve given us more than we could have ever given you. Your impact is significant and long-lasting, and you will always hold a special place in our hearts," wrote the clinic. "Our thoughts are with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium team and everyone who loved and cared for you. Rest in peace, friend. You will never be forgotten."

The story was made into the movie, "Dolphin Tale," produced by Warner Brothers and released nationwide in theaters around the world on Sept. 23, 2011. Winter played herself in the movie, which starred Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Harry Connick, Jr., Kris Kristofferson, Cozi Zuehlsdorff, Austin Highsmith Garces and Nathan Gamble.

During a news conference, Dr. James Powell, president of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, said the staff at the aquarium is devastated by this loss.

“The world is so sad to have lost an animal ambassador that has inspired us all,” Powell said.

Jim Savage Recalls Day He Rescued Winter

Also saddened by the news was the man responsible for rescuing Winter.

Winter was just 2 months old when Jim Savage of New Smyrna Beach was fishing in Mosquito Lagoon near Cape Canaveral on Dec. 10, 2005, and noticed movement in the water. He discovered the baby dolphin in poor condition. The crab trap line had cut off the circulation to her tail flukes.

He remembers that day well.

"Almost 16 years ago on a nasty fishin' morning, I cut this tough little girl out of a crab trap she was entangled in," Savage said. "I fully expected her to swim away and be a great story. Her swimming days were over, but her story was just starting. The people that she entertained, educated, inspired and influenced will forever remember her. I will feel her spirit on every lagoon fishing trip."

Savage, who majored in marine biology at Florida Atlantic University but now owns an auto air-conditioning repair company, said he knew the dolphin's injuries were life-threatening. His fears were confirmed when the rescuer he called arrived.

"She looked worried. She could see the damage, and she said, 'I'm not sure she's going to make it,'" Savage said.

Fourteen years to the very day he rescued her, Savage visited Winter at the aquarium for the first time.

With him was his granddaughter his great niece, Grace Savage of Oregon, who has DiGeorge syndrome, which comes with a host of health problems including heart defects, poor immune system function, a cleft palate and delayed development.

Because of her own challenges, Grace became Winter's biggest fan after learning the role her granduncle played in saving the dolphin. When she received a wish through Make-A-Wish Oregon, there was only one place the 13-year-old wanted to go — to Clearwater to see Winter.

"Getting through the difficult times without Winter's amazing story to keep her going would have been a lot harder," said Grace's mother, Katie Savage.

Co-Stars, Community Reacts To News

On Friday, as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium remained closed to allow staff to mourn and speak with a grief counselor if needed, Winter's co-stars reacted to the news of her death.

"How can I put into words what Winter meant to me and to millions of kids and people?" tweeted Garces, who played Phoebe in “Dolphin Tale” and the sequel, “Dolphin Tale 2." This one little dolphin changed the world. She touched millions and millions of lives."

Harry Connick Jr. posted a video message on his Instagram page, saying, "I was so sorry for all the people at Clearwater Marine Aquarium and everybody who got a chance to be touched by this magical animal. I was one of those people."

Messages of sympathy from fans as far away as Germany, Australia, England and Israel continued to pour in throughout the day on the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's Facebook page.

Visiting Winter was one of the top wishes for children with life-threatening diseases and injuries who were getting their wishes granted through Make-A-Wish Foundation. The foundation said children with missing limbs were especially inspired by the dolphin.

"The amazing response reminds us of how deeply she has affected millions, including so many on their own health journey," aquarium spokeswoman Kelsey Long said.

The dolphin, who always appeared to be smiling, and would leap out of the water and chatter and squeak to visitors, was universally loved.

"Saddened to hear about the loss of Winter the dolphin," tweeted Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. "She was an inspiration to many and will be missed."

"It’s with heavy hearts we mourn the passing of Winter the dolphin," posted SeaWorld of Orlando. "She was beloved by many, a role model for amputees. She changed the world. CMA won’t be the same without her."

"Winter was a fighter and taught us to always persevere — she was a light to the world and will be greatly missed," U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, D-St. Petersburg, wrote, adding a message to Winter's best friend and pool mate, Hope the dolphin, who starred in "Dolphin Tale 2." "Sending thoughts and prayers to Hope, @CMAquarium staff and her fans around the world."

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium made the announcement of Winter's death Thursday night after keeping Facebook fans abreast on a gastrointestinal infection she was diagnosed with Nov. 1. Her condition worsened this week, prompting the aquarium to consult with marine animal experts and veterinarians around the country.

"With heavy hearts, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium announced tonight that Winter the Dolphin died at approximately 8 p.m. as animal care experts from around the country worked to treat her gastrointestinal abnormality," said aquarium spokeswoman Kelsey Long.

"The CMA family is devastated. During preparation for a procedure, the CMA animal care team observed that Winter's behavior and vital signs were declining. The medical team tried several life-saving efforts, but she died being held by her caregivers," she said.

“While we are heartbroken by Winter’s death, we are comforted knowing that our team did everything possible to give her the best chance at survival. We worked with specialists and marine mammal experts from around the country to provide her with the best care available. Our staff worked around the clock during this challenging time,” said aquarium veterinarian Dr. Shelly Marquardt. “I’m honored to work alongside such dedicated and talented professionals who gave their all for Winter.”

See related stories:

• 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
• Winter The Dolphin Welcomes New BFF: A Blind, Noseless Sea Turtle