Photo: Arc Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock
Winter, a dolphin whose life story inspired the 2011 filmDolphin Tale, has died.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium — Winter’s Florida home for the past 16 years — confirmed her death on theirwebsiteThursday.
“With heavy hearts, 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,” they shared. “The CMA family is devastated.”
Winter had been battling a gastrointestinal infection at the time of her death and was incritical conditionearlier this week. Aquarium board chairperson Paul Auslander told theTampa Bay Timesthat Winter was being prepped for a procedure to clear an intestinal blockage when she died at about 7:45 p.m. local time. She was 16.
While a necropsy will be performed on the dolphin to determine her official cause of death, Auslander told theTampa Bay Timesthe aquarium believes she died of heart failure. Winter showed a decline in vital signs and a shift in behavior just before the procedure, per the aquarium’s statement.
Marquardt added, “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. I’m honored to work alongside such dedicated and talented professionals who gave their all for Winter.”
Clearwater Marine Aquarium did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Arc Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock
Winter was first brought to the Clearwater aquarium when she was just two months old after she was found tangled up in a fishing line near Cape Canaveral, per the outlet. While she lost part of her tail as a result of her injuries, she was fitted with a prosthetic and rehabilitated at the marine life rescue.
When the news of Winter’s death broke last night, Connick Jr., 54, posted a tribute onInstagramin her memory.
“My heart is heavy tonight… i’ll miss you, sweet winter - sending love to everyone at@cmaquarium- y’all are incredible… thank you for the work you do… love you ❤️,” the actor and singer wrote.
source: people.com
