Bottlenose Dolphins News

CLEARWATER - Clearwater Aquarium CEO David Yates sounded like a Hollywood executive.

"I've been waiting to say these words for a long time but, it's a wrap," Yates said.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is back in business after loaning their facility to a movie crew for the last couple of months.

"The filming has gone incredibly, incredibly well," said Yates.



The crew was filming the movie "Dolphin Tale," a 3-D motion picture based on the inspirational story of Winter the dolphin. The film stars Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr. and Winter herself. In 2005, a fisherman found Winter in a crab trap in Mosquito Lagoon. The infant dolphin was injured and lost her tail. But with the help of the staff at the aquarium and a prosthetic tail, she pulled through. Her story is said to have inspired millions and spawned the movie. While the crew is now gone for good, when visitors go back to the aquarium, they'll notice a piece of Hollywood was left behind.

"Guests can come and see some of the movie set items, they can see Winter in her new pool, which they have not seen before," Yates said.

That new pool holds 80,000 gallons of water. It appears Winter isn't the only one getting more room at the aquarium.

"We're announcing a major expansion plan, a $12 million campaign to raise money," Yates said.

They say it's to make room for more people, cars, and animals. Officials say they expect a crowd after the film is released.

"We expect hundreds of thousands of people to come to the area within a few months after the film and millions over the years," said Yates.

It's expected to be released in late 2011 but you don't have to wait to see the star of the show.
Starting Wednesday at 9 a.m., you can see Winter up close and personal at the newly opened Clearwater Aquarium.