Clearwater Marine Aquarium welcomes visitors 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 has been working diligently to restore our facility in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Thanks to its dedicated staff, skilled contractors, and generous donations from supporters both near and far, they’re making significant progress in their recovery efforts! While they still have a long way to go, CMA takes pride in what its been able to accomplish since the storms.
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, three sea turtles were fortunate enough to return to the ocean after rehab at CMA, once being cleared by Fish & Wildlife Commission for release. Here are their inspiring stories so you can discover the magic of CMA.
Topaz
Topaz is a large, subadult Kemp’s ridley, who was found entangled in a fishing line near Fort Desoto on June 4th. The fisherman who found Topaz reported that they were struggling to surface. Upon the rescue, it was observed that the fishing line was attached to a large crab trap that was pulling Topaz underwater, increasing their risk of drowning. Topaz had a ligature injury on their right front flipper from the entanglement that took several months to heal. Our team utilized multiple wound care techniques, including cold laser therapy. Cold laser therapy is a low-intensity laser that stimulates damaged cells to regrow and heal using low levels of light. Topaz’s flipper is fully healed, and they have been released back home!
Philly
Philly is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found out of habitat swimming in a ditch on Nov 30th near the Steinhatchee River in Dixie County. Philly had no obvious external injuries or abnormalities and is in good body condition. All diagnostics show that Philly was otherwise healthy and has been released!
Odessa
Odessa is a juvenile, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle who was found out of habitat swimming in a ditch on Nov 11th in Crystal River. Odessa had no obvious external injuries or abnormalities and was in good body condition. All diagnostics show that Odessa is otherwise healthy and has been released!
New Arrivals!
Exciting new arrivals at Clearwater Marine Aquarium! Thrilled to announce two new baby Haller’s Round stingray additions to the Sea Cavern. Please welcome these precious additions to the CMA Family!
Florida: Wild & Exotic
Experience a whole new exhibit at CMA! Immerse yourself in the world of Florida’s animals, both native and invasive. From a curious opossum to slithering snakes and other scaly reptiles, you’ll get the chance to see Florida’s animals up close. This exciting new exhibit is now open!
Thank You
Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it! The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is overwhelmed with the support fromfollowers, fans, industry partners, and other businesses in the community following Hurricane Helene and Milton. Since the storms, they have received nearly 200 items from their wish list.
There are still many items to replace and repair. Check out the wish list items CMA is still seeking below.
Rising Tides
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.
Upcoming Events & Programs
Select dates now through Dec.30: Aqua Lanterns
Daily through January 5: Blizzard Bay
December 30: Night at the Aquarium
January 12: Sip & Sea Bridal Show and Open House at CMA