Winter The Movie Star Dolphin Dies Despite Help of Marine Animal Experts Around Country

CLEARWATER, FL — Winter, the world-famous dolphin whose fight to survive after losing her tail in fishing line was told in the movie "Dolphin Tale," has died at the age of 16. The marine mammal died after contracting a gastrointestinal infection.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium made the announcement of Winter's death Thursday night.

"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."

"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 veterinarian Dr. Shelly Marquardt. “I’m honored to work alongside such dedicated and talented professionals who gave their all for Winter.”

The aquarium is closed Friday to provide time for staff to grieve. A grief counselor will be made available to the team.

The Atlantic bottlenose dolphin gained worldwide fame after playing herself in the movie "Dolphin Tale," produced by Warner Brothers and Alcon Entertainment and released nationwide in theaters around the world on Sept. 23, 2011.

She starred with Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Harry Connick, Jr., Kris Kristofferson, Cozi Zuehlsdorff and Nathan Gamble.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium team has cared for Winter since her rescue after becoming entangled in a crab trap line and losing her tail in 2005.

Winter's story of survival and the efforts to create a prosthetic tail, so she could swim like other dolphins has inspired millions of people around the world, especially children who are coping with serious illnesses and disabilities.

Visiting Winter is one of the top wishes for children with life-threatening diseases and injuries through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

At news of her illness, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's Facebook page was flooded with messages for the dolphin's recovery from as far away as Australia, England, Germany and Israel.

"She truly inspired hope and was loved by millions of people worldwide," Long said. "On behalf of the CMA staff and Winter's care team, we thank everyone for the incredible outpouring of love and support you have shown Winter since her rescue in 2005 and especially these last few days. This amazing response reminds us of how deeply she has affected millions, including so many on their own health journey."

Plans for a memorial for Winter, honoring the positive impact she made on the world, will be announced soon.

See related stories:

• 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