Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again

When Winter, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, was just three months old, she was rescued from a crabtrap off the coast of Florida, and her tail was seriously damaged. She was rushed to Clearwater MarineAquarium. It wasnÂ’t clear that she would survive, but to everyoneÂ’s amazement, she did. Eventually,though, her tail fell off, which caused Winter to compensate by swimming more like a fish than a dolphin.Over time, it was clear she was seriously damaging her spine. But, for the last year, Winter has beenlearning how to use a prosthetic tail. The idea came from a company that makes prosthetics for humans.It was challenging, but Winter is thriving and using her new tail with great command.Winter is an inspiration to everyone, especially to children and adults who face challenges themselves.Many follow her blog and write e-mails to her. Day after day, the crowds come to Clearwater for aclose-up look at Winter, the little dolphin that could. With gorgeous photographs, Winter is a story thatpromises to inspire and delight.

Craig Hatkoff, the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship, is the cofounder of the Tribeca Film Festival and of Turtle Pond Publications. He has appeared on various national media outlets, including NBC's Today Show and CNN. He lives with his wife and two daughters in Manhattan.