Come be inspired and learn about the ongoing work of rescue, rehabilitation, and release at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Our marine life rescue center is home to Marine Life featured, in the Dolphin Tale movies, filmed on location in Clearwater, Florida — just 90 minutes from Orlando. 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.
Nick and Apollo Meet!
In February, Nick and Apollo had the chance to meet for the first time! For a month, our Animal Care Team has conditioned these animals to one another in all ways possible. The next step was to physically allow them to interact! In the wild, males interact in small groups known as “bachelor pods,” where they live and hunt together. Nick and Apollo’s first interaction went well and this pair will spend more time together moving forward!
Farewell Haleakala!
Earlier this month, rescued sea turtle Haleakala was able to return home to the ocean! This juvenile green sea turtle was found washed ashore on Anclote Island on December 28. Haleakala experienced acute hypothermia due to our local cold weather, and their body temperature was back to normal values the next day! Haleakala had minimal fibropapilloma tumors present that were surgically removed. We are grateful for the quick recovery of this animal and wish Haleakala all the best!
Rescued Dolphin Now in Rehab
Last month, Clearwater Marine Aquarium received a call from network partners at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium that they were responding to a young female rough-toothed dolphin that was stranded on Longboat Key. It was determined that this animal was in need of rehabilitation and was brought to CMA’s stranding facility at Fred Howard Park that evening. After ensuring the animal was stable, our veterinarian Dr. Shelly began running tests to check its health and help determine the cause of this animal’s stranding. This dolphin is currently receiving round-the-clock care from our trained professionals and we will continue to share updates on her status.
Spring is Almost Here!
Celebrate with us at our Spring Shellebration! Select dates this March and April, visit CMA and set sail on a tropical sunset cruise, enjoy live entertainment, and experience fun activities for all ages! Plus, with extended hours, stay until 8 p.m. and spend more time with your favorite resident animals. Guests who visit after 4 pm can save $3 off admission when they book ahead!
Experience Our LARGEST Rescue Mission Ever!
Rescue, rehab, and recover from extinction! Dinosaurs are being found and need help to survive! Luckily, the rescue team at CMA is ready and adapting to take care of these prehistoric creatures to provide the same care we offer all of our rescued animals!
Visit CMA now thru April and discover life-size dinosaurs during Dino Rescue. As you walk throughout the aquarium, encounter the dinosaurs, which move and roar, as they rehabilitate from various ailments today’s animals face – like habitat loss and entanglement. This limited-time experience will be included with general admission.
Check out everything Clearwater Marine Aquarium has to offer this Spring and beyond!