Clearwater Marine Aquarium Clearwater Marine Aquarium news

The aquarium has applied for a permit to transfer and house 5 male bottlenose dolphins from Attica Zoological Park in Athens, Greece. The transfer permits are for 3 Atlantic bottlenose and 2 Black Sea bottlenose dolphins, all captive bred.


Captive Cetacean News on Instagram: "The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a facility in Clearwater, Florida, United States, has applied for permits to transfer and house 5 bottlenose dolphins from the Attica Zoological Park in Athens, Attica, Greece. The decision likely originates from 3rd party assessments that were conducted last year following the deaths of multiple rescued cetaceans at the park. One of the main points of the report was a lack of social structure, as Clearwater currently consists of only rescued individuals. Attica currently houses 9 male Atlantic & Black Sea bottlenoses, while Clearwater houses 3 Atlantic bottlenoses and 2 rough-toothed dolphins. Attica only houses male bottlenose dolphins that were born from 4 different facilities, and transferred with a companion(s) on the same date. The proposed dolphins that would be transferred from Attica to Clearwater are as followed: - Blau (Atlantic, born 1999 at Zoo de Barcelona) - Tumay (Atlantic, born 2002 at Zoo de Barcelona) - Lima/Hermes (Black Sea, born 2003 at Lithuanian Sea Museum) - Nojus/Jason (Black Sea, born 2005 at Lithuanian Sea Museum) - Nuik (Atlantic, born 2012 at Zoo de Barcelona) The others(Leevi, Eevertti, Ekinox, and Naska) at the facility are Atlantic bottlenoses, who were born at facilities with a permanently closed dolphinarium(Särkänniemi and Parc Astérix). On the other side, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium(CMA) currently houses all rescued cetaceans, 4 of the 5 being rescued by CMA itself. They go as followed: - Nicholas (male bottlenose, rescued 2002) - Hope (female bottlenose, rescued 2010) - Rudolph II/Rudy (male rough-toothed, rescued 2019) - Izzy (female bottlenose, rescued 2022) - Rosie (female rough-toothed, rescued 2023) If the cetaceans are transferred, this will not be the first time that CMA has housed non-rescued cetaceans. A post of that history can be seen on @captive.ceta.wiki. Public comments on the permit will close on February 3rd, 2025. The permit, if accepted, will expire in 5 years. Photo of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium by Candy Keane. Source: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/permit-application-import-5-bottlenose-dolphins-file-no-28233-clearwater-marine-aquarium"
 
Does anyone know whether the transfer will be permanent or temporary? (though I guess most likely it will be permanent since they have to move from Greece to the U.S )

I'm asking mostly because the zoo seems to have plans to expand the area where the dolphins live, so it would be kind of weird for the zoo to simultaneously decrease the number of their dolphins.
 
Maybe they want to get some females to replace the males they’re transferring out for breeding purposes. This is purely speculation though.
 
Other 2024 / Early 2025 News Not Mentioned:
Between mid-June 2024 and late-April 2025, the aquarium officially announced they rescued, rehabilitated, and released 24 green sea turtles and 9 Kemp's ridley sea turtles, as well as 59 sea turtle hatchlings (of various species) back into the wild.*

On October 2nd, the aquarium announced they helped rescue and release a Florida manatee back into the wild after it beached by receding waters.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

*Aquamarine & Jade (GSTs), Opal (GST), Baldwin (KRST), Austin (GST), Odessa & Philly (KRST & GST), Topaz (KRST), Utica & Vegas (GSTs), Wooster (GST), Aspen (GST), Fir & Oak (GSTs), Sassafras, Tolland, & Waukesha (GSTs), Queens (GST), 15 sea turtles (GSTs & KRSTs).
Smaggledagle said:
On April 19th, the aquarium announced they acquired a (0.0.1) common octopus which is now on exhibit.

We’re just excited to finally be able to use this emoji! | Clearwater Marine Aquarium | YG Marley · Praise Jah In The Moonlight
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On June 25th, the aquarium announced they named the octopus Ruby.

19K views · 414 reactions | Octopus Naming | We asked our guests to submit name ideas for our new octopus resident! After collecting a sea of name suggestions from our visitors, we let our octopus... | By Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Facebook

SwampDonkey said:
The arrival of manatees is delayed. No reason given other than "an abundance of caution" and no new dates of opening yet.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
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On July 30th, the aquarium announced they acquired (2.0) Florida manatees named Yeti and Zamboni from ZooTampa at Lowry Park in Florida, with the Manatee Rehabilitation Center exhibit opening on August 11th. Though due to Hurricane Helene, the manatees were transferred back to ZooTampa.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium

SwampDonkey said:
CMA suffered catastrophic flooding to the facility and damage to the facility from hurricane Helene. From their Facebook:

LINK
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On October 21st, the aquarium announced they reopened to the public, though some areas would still be closed.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

On November 8th, the aquarium announced that 2 round rays were born which are on display in the Sea Cavern gallery.

27K views · 1.1K reactions | Exciting new arrivals at Clearwater Marine Aquarium! We are thrilled to announce two new baby Haller's round stingray additions to our Sea Cavern. Join us in welcoming these precious additions to our CMA family! Be sure to plan your visit soon and witness the wonder of these incredible marine animals. | Clearwater Marine Aquarium

On November 15th, the aquarium announced they opened a new gallery to the public called 'Florida: Wild & Exotic'. Species on display include Virginia opossum, Perdido Key beach mouse, Florida kingsnake, red-tailed boa, veiled chameleon, tokay gecko, Smallwood's anole, lesser siren, cane toad, sargassum fish, lined seahorse, golden silk spider, strawberry hermit crab, and brown bark scorpion.

20K views · 389 reactions | New exhibit alert! Clearwater Marine Aquarium is excited to announce the opening of Florida: Wild and Exotic in the Atlantis Theater. This exhibit showcases a variety of fascinating Florida native and exotic species, including amphibians, arthropods, reptiles and small mammals. Guests will have the opportunity to get up close to these fascinating species while learning insights on responsible pet ownership and the harrowing effects of the illegal pet trade. This exhibition is included in your admission ticket to CMA and open during Aqua Lanterns! | Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Haliaeetus said:
A Zebra Shark pup is born !
Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Instagram: "We’re overjoyed to announce the birth of a zebra shark at CMA! This animal was born on November 8th and has been acclimating in a behind-the-scenes habitat ever since. Stay tuned as to when you can see this animal at CMA. Comment below a shark emoji to welcome our newest shark addition."
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On January 16th, the aquarium announced they sexed the zebra shark as (0.1) and is now on display in the Sea Cavern gallery.

38K views · 758 reactions | Baby shark do do dodododo! CMA's juvenile zebra shark is growing and changing every day. When this shark was born, she weighted 113 grams, at her most current weigh in, she weighed in at 432 grams. Additionally, her pattern and coloration are transitioning to her adult hues. We can’t wait for you to come and see this amazing species in the future! | Clearwater Marine Aquarium
41K views · 900 reactions | Zebra Shark Moves Into Sea Cavern! | Exciting shark update! The young zebra shark that has been growing under observation for the past few months is now viewable in the Sea Cavern! This... | By Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Facebook

On January 28th, it was reported that the aquarium temporarily suspended 50 of their 175 employees as well as taken pay cuts due to low attendance numbers caused by the hurricanes.

https://www.wusf.org/environment/20...employees-cut-salaries-after-hurricane-damage

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pachyderm pro said:
The aquarium is attempting to raise $32 million for an expansion plan which will see the addition of sea lions, penguins, sharks, alligators and additional dolphins, as well as a theater, a new jellyfish display, interactive water features, an animal ambassador village, and an enhanced veterinary center.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium announces multi-year expansion plans

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is trying to raise $32 million for an expansion
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On February 22nd, the aquarium announced they might receive a $6.05 million grant from the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council in the near future, which would fund the new sea lion exhibit as well as other upgrades to the original building.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

On March 5th, the aquarium announced they opened a new interactive space called 'BayCare Kids Check-Up' to the public.

12K views · 265 reactions | Clearwater Marine Aquarium recently unveiled our new BayCare Kids Check-Up Exhibit in partnership with BayCare! This interactive exhibit teaches... | By Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Facebook
 
The aquarium announced on their instagram that they have received all 4 rough toothed dolphins from aquarium Gulf World. In total, they now have 9 cetaceans. The rough toothed dolphins are Wren, Doris, Kitana, and Dagny.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Instagram: "Today, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) welcomed four female rough-toothed dolphins into its care. CMA has served as the first responders for marine mammals and animals for decades. Recognizing the vital role CMA plays in marine mammal rescue and its expertise with rough-toothed dolphins, CMA and Gulf World, an aquarium located in Panama City Beach, FL., worked collaboratively in relocating these marine mammals. CMA’s animal care team first ensured the marine animals were stable for transport and prepared for their transfer to Clearwater. The four dolphins -- Doris, Kitana, Dagny and Wren -- are estimated to be 28, 18, 10 and 5 years of age. These four rough-toothed dolphins have been deemed non-releasable by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) after stranding and are not able to be released back into the wild. CMA is committed to its mission to rescue marine life. Rescue comes in many forms, and we remain steadfast in our mission to provide exceptional care for all marine animals at CMA. The dolphins will be under observation and evaluation as they adjust to their new environment. As a facility dedicated to animal health and welfare, CMA’s veterinary and animal care teams will monitor the health and behavior of the four rough-toothed dolphins to ensure their well-being and successful acclimation. Once the dolphins have successfully acclimated, CMA will announce next steps, including an introduction to the other resident dolphins. CMA is currently the only aquarium in the United States that cares for rough-toothed dolphins. The addition of these dolphins will bring CMA’s total cetacean population to nine dolphins, which guests will see when they visit the Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex. Stay tuned for more updates on the rough-toothed dolphins! You can help support their care by visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium or donating at cmaquarium.org/donate org today!"
 
ZooApollo said:
The aquarium announced on their instagram that they have received all 4 rough toothed dolphins from aquarium Gulf World. In total, they now have 9 cetaceans. The rough toothed dolphins are Wren, Doris, Kitana, and Dagny.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Instagram: "Today, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) welcomed four female rough-toothed dolphins into its care. CMA has served as the first responders for marine mammals and animals for decades. Recognizing the vital role CMA plays in marine mammal rescue and its expertise with rough-toothed dolphins, CMA and Gulf World, an aquarium located in Panama City Beach, FL., worked collaboratively in relocating these marine mammals. CMA’s animal care team first ensured the marine animals were stable for transport and prepared for their transfer to Clearwater. The four dolphins -- Doris, Kitana, Dagny and Wren -- are estimated to be 28, 18, 10 and 5 years of age. These four rough-toothed dolphins have been deemed non-releasable by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) after stranding and are not able to be released back into the wild. CMA is committed to its mission to rescue marine life. Rescue comes in many forms, and we remain steadfast in our mission to provide exceptional care for all marine animals at CMA. The dolphins will be under observation and evaluation as they adjust to their new environment. As a facility dedicated to animal health and welfare, CMA’s veterinary and animal care teams will monitor the health and behavior of the four rough-toothed dolphins to ensure their well-being and successful acclimation. Once the dolphins have successfully acclimated, CMA will announce next steps, including an introduction to the other resident dolphins. CMA is currently the only aquarium in the United States that cares for rough-toothed dolphins. The addition of these dolphins will bring CMA’s total cetacean population to nine dolphins, which guests will see when they visit the Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex. Stay tuned for more updates on the rough-toothed dolphins! You can help support their care by visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium or donating at cmaquarium.org/donate org today!"
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It seems this Aquarium is becoming a holder of Rough-toothed Dolphins to the point of establishing a proper Pod. What other facilities have them?
 
On May 16th, the aquarium announced they rehabilitated and released a (0.1) green sea turtle back into the wild. On June 18th, the aquarium announced they rehabilitated and released 2 more green sea turtles back into the wild.

18K views · 623 reactions | This Endangered Species Day, we are celebrating the release of one endangered juvenile green sea turtle named Acacia! Unfortunately, all six species of sea turtles are listed as endangered and continue to face many threats from human activity, including boat strikes, entanglements and other impacts from marine debris. During Acacia's rehabilitation, she defecated a piece of plastic, likely a plastic bag, that she had ingested. Luckily, she had a quick recovery after being rescued on May 3 and was cleared for release by our veterinarian and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission yesterday! | Clearwater Marine Aquarium
18K views · 527 reactions | We’re excited to share that two juvenile green sea turtles, Niaouli and Bonsai, were successfully released yesterday after making incredible recoveries... | By Clearwater Marine Aquarium | Facebook

On July 3rd, the aquarium announced they received $500K in funding from the state of Florida for facility renovations, and $380K for storm recovery efforts.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
 
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