Here is a prosthetic tail session in progress.  This one introduced the floating “mat” that will help Winter have more freedom when her tail needs to be adjusted and she wants to be swimming around the pool and helps “float” her.  Plus the mat helps to keep her from “turning” so much from side to side and strengthens the muscles she needs to use the prosthetic tail.  One of Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Interns is holding her rostrum to keep her front body level in the water as Abby (head caretaker), gets ready to adjust the prosthetic tail and continue Winter’s physical therapy to strengthen her spine - she is not used to swimming like a normal dolphin.  Since she lost her tail fluke in the crab trap entanglement at 2 mos old she swims much more like a cross between a shark and an alligator.  She needs to use her spine more like a dolphin to avoid future problems.  As you see the prosthetic tail (actually a smaller training type tail fluke to start out with) is attached and she is beginning to swim much better with it.

Of course I observe from a very good viewpoint, underwater pictures and a little u/w video.  Fascinating... and it seems that during these sessions Winter tries very hard and enjoys it - sort of like a kid at school.  But you can see what happens when Abby ends the “session” in the previous post!  Then Winter has her own ideas of what she wants to do!

*Note - if you come to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium you might be able to witness one of Winter’s prosthetic tail “sessions”.  This one was scheduled at about 4pm last Saturday.  They are scheduled at different times and depending on what is best for Winter.  It is very interesting - worth seeing for sure!   Best, Carol