CELEBRATE JAMES AND PAM - SUPPORT WINTER AND CMA!

WInter's Story
Winter was found stranded in Mosquito Lagoon, near Cape Canaveral, Florida when she was only two months old, entangled in a crab trap line which cut off circulation to her tail flukes. After disentanglement, she was transported to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for treatment of her extensive injuries. However, despite exhaustive efforts to promote healing, her tail deteriorated and could not be saved. Her story is unusual – most dolphins trapped in monofilament and crab trap lines do not survive. Despite overwhelming odds against survival, Winter’s energy and ability to adapt to her new physical form surpassed expectations. She recovered completely, adapted to a new swim pattern and learned to eat fish on her own… about 12 pounds a day.

Winter’s case was one of the most difficult for CMA. Her story is a bittersweet realization of the dangers faced by animals as a result of human activities in the wild.  Dolphins and other marine life often become susceptible to entanglement and digestion of fishing line or other gear that can cause them to become injured, ill or potentially lead to their death. In order to mitigate these impacts and conserve these species, it is critical for us to do our part and keep our oceans clean.  Together, we can make a difference!

What we do
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is fundamentally a hospital for sick and injured marine life.  However, what we do is so much more.  We inspire the human spirit, through the animals and their stories of survival, which touch all of us.  We educate young people on the preservation and conservation of our animals and environment.  We collaborate on scientific research to better understand animal behavior, illness, treatment and the prevention of animal decline.  We protect the growth of the endangered sea turtle population by guarding a 26-mile stretch of beach within Pinellas County.  We rescue and rehabilitate injured and ill animals with the aim of releasing them back into their natural habitat.  When this isn’t possible, we provide long term residential care.