Visitors to Clearwater Marine Aquarium will learn about the aquarium’s mission to preserve the environment and its marine life. CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, and more. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation, and release.
Successful Manatee Release!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute participated in the manatee release of Reckless and Churro last week! This mom-calf pair was rescued in May 2022 after Reckless was involved in a near-fatal boat strike. CMARI fitted the manatees with satellite trackers for monitoring. The team will use the satellite data and routine observations to assess their health and ability to find food.
2 Manatees Rescued!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Rescue Team recently assisted with two manatee rescues. During the winter months in Florida, manatees are susceptible to cold stress and can become lethargic, thin, and develop cold stress lesions. Teh team helps assist in the rescue of these animals so they can be rehabilitated and eventually released back into the wild!
New Experience: Tortoise Treat Time!
Explore the diverse tastes of our red-footed friends as you present a specially curated diet of fresh vegetables and fruits. Enter a program-specific area, where you’ll have the chance to offer a culinary creation to the red-footed tortoises via their tray. Watch in awe as they indulge in their feast, creating a unique and memorable connection with these incredible animals. Pending tortoise behavior, have the opportunity to gently touch their remarkable shells.
Summer Camp Registration is open!
Escape the cold and prepare for a summer of fun at CMA summer Marine Science Camps! From snorkeling to kayaking, hands-on activities, time with rescued animals, and more, there’s something for every budding marine scientist to experience this summer! Marine Science Camps are available for all students from kindergarten through high school. These camps will fill up quickly, pick out your favorites now!
Did You Hear the News?
Earlier this month, Rising Tides: Safeguarding Marine Life for the Future was launched. Over the next six years, CMA will undergo a dynamic facility revitalization that will bring new animals, new habitats, and new conservation efforts to our facility and beyond! Learn more about this campaign here.
New VR Experience at CMA!
Explore the ocean like never before with our newest virtual reality experience – Drop in the Ocean! Guests can come face-to-face with a whale shark, ride a jellyfish up to the ocean’s surface, and meet an array of marine life. Purchase VR tickets at Ticketing, Guest Services or VR Counter.
Experience ArtSEA Conservation at Clearwater Marine Aquarium now!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium presents ArtSEA Conservation, an art exhibit featuring international, national, and community artists to show the connection between art and marine conservation.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is dedicated to conservation in everything they do. They see it as an art. The staff – comprised of dedicated men and women who are researchers and scientists – have decades of experience. They are committed to marine life and the conservation of animals in the water that surrounds us.
CMA has partnered with artists and organizations that are aligned with the CMA mission and deeply committed to conservation.
The aquarium’s fourth floor is transformed into an art gallery where illuminated marine animal paintings, sculptures and aquariums with art are on display along with videos featuring Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute’s fieldwork. Guests can see the beauty and value of protecting these incredible creatures.
CMA is Now on zoolife!
Now, you can keep up with your favorite rescued dolphins on zoolife! Control the camera, zoom in, and take clips of your favorite moments. Zoolife subscribers can also join live talks with CMA animal experts and watch 80 species across diverse habitats worldwide!
Manatee Rehab Center Opening Spring 2024!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Manatee Rehabilitation Center in April. This center will allow CMA to accept manatees recovering from the effects of food and habitat loss, red tide exposure, boat strike wounds, cold stress, and more. Conservation of this species is vital as manatees are vulnerable to extinction and serve an important role in maintaining the health of their ecosystems. This new center will offer manatee rehabilitation and care, while allowing guests to learn more about the species and view stable rehabilitated manatees as they prepare to be released back into the wild.
Funding for this project is made possible by the State of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Duke Energy Foundation, John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program, and private donors.
Upcoming Events & Programs:
February 24: Seaside Seabird Sanctuary at CMA
March 5: Pre-K Pod Pals – Squishy Bones
March 9: AquaGala
March 12: Tidal Tales Snorkel Adventure – Marine Science Family Mini-Camps
March 13: Tour de U.S.A – Marine Science Family Mini-Camps
March 14: Flippered Friends Snorkel Adventure – Marine Science Family Mini-Camps