Winter the tailless dolphin was fitted for a new fin today, the latest in prosthetic technology that will enable the nearly 3-year-old Atlantic bottlenose to swim even more freely.
For the first time in six months, Winter was taken out of the water at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium so experts with Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics could make a new mold of her peduncle, the area between the dorsal fin and the fluke.
Because Winter continues to grow, new prosthetic tails are regularly made for her. The last prosthesis she received was in October.
The biggest change in Winter's newest tail prototype is a dynamic tail joint made of stainless steel that allows for more mobility, said Jeni Hatter, media relations director for the nonprofit marine rescue center.
The other change is a new non-slip material being used for one of the inner sleeves that slips over Winter's stump, Hatter said.
Winter was also weighed today and is now up to 242 pounds. Six months ago, she weighed 233 pounds.
Winter was rescued after being caught in a crab trap near Cape Canaveral in December 2005, and lost her tail from the accident. Just three months old then, she was not expected to live.
The aquarium, though, has nursed her back to health with substantial rehabilitation. Her story has attracted national and even worldwide media attention.
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