‘Dolphin Tale’ star in critical condition

CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Florida aquarium will temporarily close to treat its resident prosthetic-tailed dolphin that starred in the “Dolphin Tale” movies. The famous marine mammal is now in critical condition from a suspected infection.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium said in a statement it will shut its doors Friday “to create the best possible environment” for medical staff to treat Winter, a 16-year-old female bottlenose dolphin suffering from a gastrointenstinal infection.

“The dedicated CMA animal care experts are consulting with top animal care and veterinary specialists in the country and exploring all possible options to save Winter’s life,” the aquarium statement said.

The aquarium plans to reopen Saturday. James “Buddy” Powell, president of the aquarium, told reporters Thursday the one-day closure will allow staff “to do nothing but focus on Winter’s health.”

“Winter is adored by the world,” Powell said. “Right now she’s being docile but she is moving and responding to people. We’re doing everything we can to take care of her medically.”

Winter has previously experienced intestinal issues — not uncommon among dolphins — but such problems have never affected her like this, Powell said.

“She hasn’t been responding to treatment as she has in the past,” he said, adding there is no evidence Winter has the coronavirus. “We’ve given her literally every type of test.”

Winter was two months old when her tail became entangled in a crab trap near Cape Canaveral, which forced its amputation. “Dolphin Tale,” which was released in 2011, chronicled Winter’s recovery and the unprecedented, lengthy effort to fit her with a prosthetic tail.

The film, starring Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson, Morgan Freeman and Nathan Gamble, was largely shot at the Clearwater aquarium and surrounding Tampa Bay locations.