The producers of the Dolphin Tale movies are already talking about a third version, and now they may have the foundation for a new story.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home base for the first movie and upcoming Dolphin 2, just accepted a dolphin calf that was rescued over the weekend on the Redington Beach.

Beachgoers noticed a small, young dolphin struggling ashore on the Fourth of July last Friday. Clearwater Marine Aquarium staff and volunteers helped Florida Fish and Wildlife officers in rescuing the animal, a 4-foot-long female calf that was weak and malnourished.

The aquarium is "working around the clock" to stabilize the Atlantic spotted dolphin and provide medical care and fluids to keep her hydrated, a news release said.

In only 48 hours, the as-yet unnamed calf improved to the point of being considerably more alert and able to swim on her own for a few minutes at a time. She is still fragile and continues to receive fluids every few hours. It is believed, based her weight, she was without her mother for about a week, the aquarium said.

“The medical team is pleased with the progress thus far, but there are several unknowns as we continue rehabilitation and treatment,” aquarium CDO David Yates was quoted as saying. "We are monitoring the animal 24/7 because she is still in critical condition. We are supporting her while she is swimming and monitoring her with a team of dedicated staff and volunteers."

Dolphin Tale 2, set for release on Sept. 12, will tell another true story inspired by the star of the first movie, Winter, but will also feature a new baby dolphin named Hope who was rescued in 2010.