We welcome visitors to Clearwater Marine Aquarium to 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. Clearwater Marine Aquarium staff and volunteers work each day to rescue marine life and provide the most advanced and effective care to maximize the opportunity to return sick or injured animals to their homes.
Recently, four sea turtles were fortunate enough to return to the ocean after rehab at CMA, once being cleared by Fish & Wildlife Commission for release. We would like to share their inspiring stories so you can discover the magic of CMA.
Opal
Opal is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found floating with issues staying submerged in New Port Richey on May 7th. Opal has a good body condition and minimal fibropapilloma tumors present. Initial diagnostics showed the buoyancy issues could be gastrointestinal related. After a rehab period of two months, Opal’s buoyancy issues resolved on their own over time! They are able to forage, dive, and rest on the bottom without any issues. Opal has been cleared for release by our staff veterinarians and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found floating near Honeymoon Island on Jan. 21. Aquamarine experienced acute hypothermia due to our local cold weather, and their body temperature was back to normal values the next day. Aquamarine was also battling an infection during their time in rehab that was resolved with antibiotics. Now that Aquamarine is healthy, they have been cleared for release by our veterinarian and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Peridot
Peridot is a juvenile, green sea turtle who found washed ashore on March 24th in Volusia county. Due to space limitations, Peridot was transferred to CMA from Volusia County Marine Science Center to continue out the remainder of their rehabilitation. Peridot was thin and had a large amount of epibiota (specifically barnacle) on their carapace at intake. After a few months on a healthy diet regimen and antibiotics, Peridot is now healthy and has been cleared for release by our staff veterinarian and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They will be released back on the east coast of Florida.
Ruby
Ruby is a juvenile, green sea turtle who found washed ashore on March 24th in Volusia county. Due to space limitations, Ruby was transferred to CMA from Volusia County Marine Science Center to continue out the remainder of their rehabilitation. Ruby had a large amount of epibiota (specifically barnacle) on their carapace at intake. Ruby has minor fibropapilloma tumors but due to small size surgery was not required! After a few months on a healthy diet regimen, Ruby is now healthy and has been cleared for release by our staff veterinarian and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They will be released back on the east coast of Florida.
Ruffles
Ruffles is a juvenile, green sea turtle, who was found floating in Brevard County on March 9th . Due to space limitations, Ruffles was transferred to CMA from Brevard Zoo to continue out the remainder of their rehabilitation. Ruffles had fibropapilloma tumors on several areas of their body. All these tumors were successfully removed during Ruffle’s rehab at CMA and all surgical sites have healed! Ruffles is now healthy and has been cleared for release by our veterinarian and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They will be released back on the east of Florida!
Capybara Meet & Greet
Now until July 28th, join us for the Capybara Meet and Greets held every day at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity! This encounter includes insights into capybaras’ natural history, a chance to feed and interact with them, and a close-up experience where guests need to kneel, crouch, or sit on the ground to fully appreciate our family of capybaras.
Did You Hear The News?
A new river otter is joining the CMA family! Named Opie, this juvenile male was brought to CMA following a dog attack that injured his eye. Opie has since been deemed non-releasable as he has been habituated by humans and no longer has the instincts necessary to survive in the wild. Following his quarantine period, Opie will be meeting our resident river otters, Walle and Boomer. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates on when you can see Opie at Otter Oasis!
Meet our New Octopus!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium recently introduced our newest resident species, Octopus vulgaris, also known as the common octopus. Discover this amazing new animal on your next visit!
Protect a Sea Turtle Nest with a Personalized Plaque This Sea Turtle Season!
The plaque with your personalized message will be placed at one of the nests for the duration of the 2024 season. In addition to photos of your plaque, you will also receive monthly updates on nesting season from CMA’s nesting team, and, at the end of the season, you will receive an update on your nest as well as your personalized plaque to keep!
Did You Hear the News?
Clearwater Marine Aquarium recently launched Rising Tides: Safeguarding Marine Life for the Future. 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.
Manatee Rehab Center Opening 2024!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Manatee Rehabilitation Center is Opening soon. 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 giving guests the opportunity 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. See below to follow us along on this journey and to be updated on our opening date.
Upcoming Events & Programs
July 1-28: Capybara Meet & Greet
July 18: FREE Parent Workshop Series
July 19 & 27: Seaside Seabird Sanctuary at CMA
July 20: Snorkel Adventure
July 25: FREE Parent Workshop Series
July 27: Snorkel Adventure
August 2 & 31: Seaside Seabird Sanctuary at CMA