A Fin-tastic speech coming with a Porpoise to UNF

Logan Ansteatt

Abigale Stone, primary caretaker of Winter, the rescued dolphin featured in the film “Dolphin Tale,” will speak at UNF as part of the Distinguished Voices Lecture Series April 17.

Courtesy of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Winter was found caught in a crab trap off Florida’s east coast in 2005. The trap had cut off the circulation to Winter’s tail and could not be saved. The removal of her tail left Winter at risk for developing degenerative spinal issues, the solution of a prosthetic tail was reached in order for Winter to return to a normal swimming pattern. Winter’s story was recreated for the 2011 film “Dolphin Tale,” and starred Winter herself.

Stone helped develop and teach Winter how to use her prosthetic tail. She is a Stranding Coordinator for the CMA and assists with the response and rehabilitation of hundreds of marine animals in distress every year.

The talk will take place at the Andrew A. Robinson Jr. Theater at 7 p.m. While free and open to the public, the lecture requires an e-ticket, as seating is limited. Those wishing to attend the event can snag their ticket here.

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