Come be inspired and learn about the ongoing work of rescue, rehabilitation, and release at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Not your typical aquarium, this rescue center is home to Marine Life featured, in the Dolphin Tale movies, filmed on location in Clearwater, Florida near the sandy shores of America’s #1 Beach. Check out what’s happening now!
Injera returns home
On August 15, the University of Florida Marine Animal Rescue released Injera back to the big blue! The fishing hook was successfully removed orally without the need for surgery by Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s staff veterinarian! Injera is a juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtle from Cedar Key who was accidentally caught by a fisherman and ingested a fishing hook on July 24.
Injera has recovered, and there are no concerning injuries related to the hook ingestion. Injera had been cleared for release by both the veterinarian and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and returned home.
Rosie and Rudy’s big adventure!
Earlier this month, Rosie and Rudy were given access to the Stone Dolphin Complex. Our animal care team has been preparing for this event for weeks to ensure the success of this transition. After a short amount of time, Rudy ventured into our Stone Dolphin Complex and began to explore, while Rosie hung back and peered through to the new pool. We invite you to come see the rough-toothed dolphins swimming through their new habitat!
Afternoon Admission Special!
This month, take advantage of discounted Admission Monday-Thursday after 3 p.m. on select dates through Sept. 30. Visit Rudy, Rosie, and all of your favorite rescued resident animals!
Sea Turtle Nesting Season
Nesting season is well underway and the Sea Turtle Conservation Team at CMA has brought over 15 sea turtle hatchlings to our rehabilitation hospital so far. Many hatchlings come into our care as a result of disorientation events. Disorientation can occur when hatchlings mistake artificial light for moonlight and crawl away from the ocean. These events can often result in hatchling injuries and mortalities!
Remember when you visit the beach, you can help sea turtle hatchlings by turning off beach lighting, filling in holes in the sand, knocking down sand castles, and leaving the beach cleaner than you found it!
Protect a Nest!
Did you know you can help protect sea turtle nests? When you donate to the Protect the Nest program your plaque, with a personalized message of your choice, will be placed at a sea turtle nest for the entire season! You will receive updates on the season and at the end of the nesting season we will mail you your plaque to keep!
Plan a Birthday Party!
Celebrate a birthday with family and friends at Clearwater Marine Aquarium! Birthday party packages include admission to CMA, themed party decor, birthday cupcakes, and more! Plus, with add-on options, guests can have a dance party with Sharky or enjoy Slime Time with Professor Peduncle. A birthday at CMA is sure to be one to remember!
Manatee Rehabilitation Center Coming Soon
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 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.
Come see our rescue work in person and visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium during your time in Florida, best known for our rescued resident bottlenose dolphins we feature exciting events all year long.
Get ready to hear firsthand about resident-rescued animals with our new audio tour! The self-guided tour is included with admission and has 26 curated stops which are marked throughout the facility. Guests also have the option to select a children’s or adult version, sponsored by BayCare, while braille devices and headsets for individuals with hearing impairments are also available.
Brew Fest coming in October!
Cheers to a captivating evening of craft brews and marine wonders at Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Brew Fest! Savor various local beers, groove to live music, and immerse yourself in the beauty of marine life after hours. Event tickets also support vital marine conservation efforts. Join us on October 6, 2023, for an unforgettable experience.
Upcoming Events & Programs
Fridays – Sundays in September: Sloth Meet & Greet
Fridays – Sundays in September: Go Wild Days
September 23, 2023: Middle School Career exploration
September 23, 2023: Junior Career Quest
October 3, 2023: Pre-K Pod Pals – Manatee Mania
October 6, 2023: Brew Fest
October 28, 2023: High School Career Exploration
September 23, 2023: Junior Career Quest
October 31, 2023: Halloween Spooktacular