• Skip to main content
We're currently closed.Open Today 10am - 6pm
  • Webcams
  • About CMA
    • What We Do
    • Get Involved
    • CMA Research Institute
    • Educational Resources
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • News
    • Press
    • Blog Updates
    • Rescue Map
  • Help CMA
    • Virtual Auction
    • Save a Seat
    • 2021 Calendars
    • Rescue Walk Plaques
    • Face Mask Gifts
    • Adopt an Animal
    • Donate Boat or Vehicle
    • Donations
We're currently closed.Open Today 10am - 6pm
Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

  • Visit
    • Admissions
    • Visit Info
    • Group Visits
    • Hotel Partners
    • Covid-19 Safety
    • FAQs
    • Gift Shop
  • Experience
    • Meet Rescued Animals
    • Experiences & Exhibits
    • Boat Rides & Guided Tours
    • Upcoming Events
    • Plan an Event
    • Rescue Center
  • Learn
    • Educational Programs
    • Homeschool and Virtual Programs
    • Off-Site Programs
    • Educational Summer Programs
    • Boat Rides & Guided Tours
    • Online Learning
  • Winter’s Inspiration
    • Winter & Hope
    • Dolphin Tale Set
    • Inspirational Stories
    • Personalized Video Messages
    • Kids Zone
  • Become a Member
  • Get Tickets
Blog & News

Inspirational Story – Layla Can’t See but She Can Hear and Feel Hope & Winter

Inspiration Updated January 10, 2019 Posted April 26, 2017

Blind girl meets dolphins

Inspiration lives at Clearwater Marine Aquarium! People with amazing stories walk in every day to visit Winter, Hope and all of our rescued marine animals. The animals have incredible stories of survival and resilience that have connected and touched people’s lives around the world. One of these is a special young girl named Layla.

Our CEO, David Yates just happened to be walking through the aquarium meeting guests and began a conversation with Layla and her mother. He soon realized that this cheerful little girl with cute sunglasses also had a cane and was visually impaired. 7-year-old Layla was born blind with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), an eye disorder affecting the retina.

A Chance for Layla to Meet the Dolphins

Understanding Layla’s special condition and her love for Winter, Hope and the Dolphin Tale movies they starred in, we arranged for a special encounter to meet the dolphins. Knowing that Layla could not see them, it was important to have her feel and hear them. Layla’s mother guided her to the Winter Zone platform, where she was shown how to interact with Hope by Mallory, one of the animal care providers. After gently touching Hope’s skin, Layla was asked by David to describe what the experience was like.

“It was like really really fun and cool,” she replied. “She feels like a raft in the water that is shaped like a dolphin, and it’s really flat and squishy,” she said, describing the feeling in detail. Although she could not see them, Layla enjoyed being near the dolphins and feeling like she was around nature and sea animals.

Layla and CMA CEO David Yates

Hearing Dolphin Vocalizations

Layla enjoyed some more time with Hope and fed her some fish. Mallory also showed her how to signal a few distinct sounds from Hope. Turning over to Winter on the other side of the pool, Layla learned a few more gestures from Julie, another care provider. Winter responded with a series of unique vocalizations, produced from the dolphin’s blowhole. Finally, Winter playfully splashed a little water toward Layla, who happily soaked it in.

Layla wants to come back to the aquarium in a few years when she’s ten. We hope she does and until then everyone at Clearwater Marine Aquarium will continue sharing Hope, Winter and now Layla’s amazing spirit of inspiration and joy.


Watch Layla’s full encounter with Winter and Hope below:

Previous Post: Inspirational Story – Meghan’s Courage and Connection With Winter
Next Post: Rescue Tales Summer
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

Sign up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe

Shop • Careers & Internships • Contact


Get Involved

Volunteer • Donate • Give Supplies • Boat & Vehicle Donations


© 2021 Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Privacy Policy • Terms & Conditions • Accessibility

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

  • Webcams
  • Membership
  • Get Tickets
  • My Day
  • Experience
  • Visit
  • Experience
  • Learn
  • Winter’s Inspiration
  • Live Webcams
  • About CMA
  • Blog & News
  • Donate
  • Get Tickets