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Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working animal hospital dedicated to the rescue. rehabilitation, and release of marine life and a leader in research and conservation efforts to protect animals in the wild. Donate to support our mission today!

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Blog & News

Fisherman and Great Niece Inspired by the Dolphin He Saved Reunite for Winter’s 14th Rescue Anniversary

Inspiration Updated December 13, 2019 Posted December 10, 2019

Emotional Reunion for Fisherman Who Rescued Winter the Dolphin

Jim and Grace Savage with dolphins

He saved Winter 14 years ago. Unknowingly, the story inspired his great niece to fight her own battle.

Three years ago, Grace Savage’s dreams came true when she got to meet Winter the Dolphin during a trip of her lifetime thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Back then, she did not know that her great uncle, Jim Savage, was the fisherman who found the dolphin (in Mosquito Lagoon, Florida) who inspires her to keep fighting. In fact, Grace learned that her Great Uncle Jim helped rescue Winter while reading the book “Winter’s Tail: One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again,” a true-life story of Winter’s rescue and rehab. She had seen him depicted in Dolphin Tale, but incredibly, never knew it was him.

Grace Savage 2016 visit to CMA
Grace Savage during her Make-a-Wish visit to CMA in 2016.

Reunited to Celebrate Winter’s 14th Rescue Anniversary

Jim Savage has enjoyed seeing the rescued dolphin inspire tens of thousands of children battling adversity, but he didn’t know a member of his own family was receiving that same inspiration from the dolphin he helped save. On December 10, 2019, Grace and Jim Savage met again at Clearwater Marine Aquarium to celebrate Winter’s 14th Rescue Anniversary and Grace’s improving strength in facing her health battles.

Also called DiGeorge or velocardiofacial syndrome, Grace has 22.q11.2 deletion syndrome, which is a chromosomal disorder that results in poor development of several body systems. This condition can cause heart defects, poor immune system function, a cleft palate, and low levels of calcium in the blood. Throughout her short life, Grace has relied on Winter’s story of perseverance to get through her difficult times.

Jim and Grace Savage at CMA in 2019
Jim Savage and his great-niece, Grace Savage, at CMA, Dec. 10, 2019.

Winter’s Story Inspires Millions

Winter was just two months old when Jim Savage found her stranded & entangled in a crab trap line near Cape Canaveral, Florida on Dec. 10, 2005. Despite overwhelming odds, Winter’s energy and ability to adapt to life without a tail surpassed expectations.

Adopt Winter

Millions of people all over the world continue to be inspired by Winter’s story of overcoming adversity. She has inspired CMA’s work with several groups and organizations that serve individuals who are tackling their own challenges.


Your support of CMA’s mission of rescue, rehab and release gives more marine animals, like Winter, a second chance at life.

Previous Post: Manatee Tracking – Jno
Next Post: First North Atlantic Right Whale Calf of the Season Spotted Off Georgia Coast

We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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