Come be inspired and learn about the ongoing work of rescue, rehabilitation, and release at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The 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.
Izzy, Apollo, and Hope
Izzy has been introduced to Apollo! Now, Izzy, Hope, and Apollo will be able to socialize and spend time with each other. CMA’s Animal Care Team is working diligently to socialize Apollo with different members of the dolphin pod before his eventual introduction to Nick. This initial meeting went well, and the team will monitor their interactions over the next few weeks.
Helping a Dolphin Get Home
In January, CMA was proud to work with partners at NOAA Fisheries Service and FWC to successfully encourage a lone dolphin from a residential creek in Clearwater, Florida, to open waters.
A team of 28 biologists formed a human chain to create a visual and sound barrier to guide the animal to safety. CMA’s Rescue team monitored this dolphin daily since January 1, to assess its behavior, body condition, and environment.
It was noted that the animal was in good body condition with normal respiration rates and was displaying normal behavior, such as foraging, during observations. Since monitoring began, the dolphin had not left the creek. This posed potential long-term problems for the animal, such as isolation from other dolphins and an increased risk of harassment and human interactions. Therefore, NOAA determined it would be in the animal’s best interest to intervene to help the animal leave the area.
A Successful Manatee Health Assessment in Mexico
Team members from Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Research Institute in Belize recently traveled to Mexico to assist with the health assessment of a manatee calf named Pompeyo to determine his eligibility for release. This 18-month-old calf was rescued after being found without his mother. He is currently being rehabilitated by the Quintana Roo Stranding Network. Pompeyo recently transitioned from being bottle-fed with a formula to eating leafy greens.
The health assessment went well and Pompeyo will soon be successfully rehabilitated and released in the Mexican Caribbean! The CMA Research Institute Team is excited to assist and support our colleagues in the next milestone for this animal.
Thanks to the partners involved who have actively participated in or collaborated with Pompeyo’s rehab.
Right Whale Calf Sighting!
Pediddle and her calf were sighted on January 20, east of Blackbeard Island, GA. Pediddle is approximately 45 years old and this is her 9th documented calf! Pediddle gets her name from the bright circular scar on her head that looks like a headlight. A pediddle is a term used to describe a car that has a headlight out!
Check out our NEW Audio Tour!
CMA is excited to announce that they have launched a new audio tour! Now guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves in marine life conservation efforts and learn more about the rescued marine animals in CMA’s care.
The self-guided tour is offered free for guests and has 26 curated stops which are marked throughout the facility. Guests also have the option to select a kid or adult version, sponsored by BayCare, while braille devices and headsets for individuals with hearing impairments are also available.
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.