March 29, 2015

Good morning everyone.
With the sun blazing through the window we got off to a relatively early start and headed to Clearwater.

 

With loaded van, we set off to see Winter and Hope, 2 dolphins that have been rescued from the unintentional ravages of a throwaway or thoughtless society.
They were both rescued from the ocean mere miles from where we currently are and taken to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, on the opposite coast to be rehabilitated.  Clearwater
Winter, who lost her tail, was eventually fitted with a prosthetic tail.  She does not wear it constantly but does have it on several times a day for exercise.  When worn, she exercises her muscles that cause the normal up and down motion of the tail. When not worn, her tail section movement is from side to side which is not as powerful.

 The prosthetic tail seen in the photo before being put on went through a series of redesign to make it fit properly.

Although the 2 dolphins have made the museum and aquarium popular attractions, the Aquarium is home to other animals that have been rescued. Other animals

 The grandchildren trying to feel the wings of a Manta Ray in the touch tank.

The museum which is about a mile from the aquarium focuses on many of the things that were in the movie, Dolphin Tales, but also has displays about the development of the tail for Winter.

A pleasant day visiting the Clearwater Aquarium and Museum.  In future plans don't visit the city during the time that a spring training game is concluding.  You could get out of the city faster by walking.

Thanks for visiting Where's Grammie.