Wade in, hang out with Winter

CLEARWATER - By now you likely have heard about "Winter," the little dolphin that lost her tail, and survived.

She's now internationally famous, with a book and movie about her. Her story has touched thousands of people around the world, and now you can touch her!

Wednesday, Clearwater Marine Aquarium will kick off a "Wade with Winter" program. Head trainer Abby Stone says Winter is a very social dolphin that loves attention.

"It's the first time ever we've opened this up to guests. They have the opportunity to get so close to her in her environment. Have her come right up to you, and it's an awesome, really personal experience," Stone said.

Stone says Winter loves people, and the interaction is actually good for her.

"She wants that interaction. She seeks it out. She seeks it out with her trainers, so let's give her an opportunity to meet some new people," Stone said.

Today was "media day," so I had the opportunity to put on a wet suit and go up close and personal with Winter. The encounters will take place from her specially made platform that's submerged in the water.

After Winter "checked me out" with her echo location, Abby walked me through some of the behaviors they've taught Winter. When I waved, she waved back. Winter turned upside down and showed me her peduncle, where her tail used to be.

I was even able to don a mask and snorkel and put my face in the water to go eye to eye with Winter in her world.

Before we finished, Abby had me sit down with my legs extended and Winter glided right into my lap!

"She's a lap dolphin. If you're in the water, and you're on that platform, she will lay on your lap for hours," Abby said.

So what if Winter just isn't in the mood for an encounter with a stranger? Aquarium CEO David Yates says that's completely up to Winter.

"This is designed to be at her pace. What she wants to do. It's not a swim program. For her, it's fun. If she doesn't enjoy it, we won't do it," Yates said.

Stone has worked with Winter since she arrived at the aquarium as an infant. She says she knows how to read her, and Winter will only interact with people if she feels like it.

"Our encounters are limited to her very special platform that was designed for her. That's sort of like her security blanket. She loves that platform. But if she moves just a foot or two away, then she doesn't have to come over," Stone said.

Stone says that's unlikely to happen -- Winter loves people that much. Now the people who love her can get closer than they ever could imagine.

"What better thing to do than to get up close to a little baby dolphin that's so inspirational and get to know her story, and get to know her on such an awesome level."

"Wade with Winter" will be offered Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Minimum age is 5.
The cost is $149, which goes for animal care, and it's limited to 15 participants a week.
There's also a "Wade with Dolphins" program that features interaction with Winter's adoptive mom, "Panama."

To find out more: http://www.seewinter.com/