By Nanette Wiser
Whether you’re boating or walking the beach, seeing your first pod of dolphins cavorting in the Gulf is magical. Even more miraculous is the environmental champion in Pinellas County, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
CMA has helped to make a difference in the local marine ecosystems and the conservation and research efforts of species all over the world. Let’s look back on their history and how CMA became what it is today.
In 1972, a group of volunteers passionate about marine life wanted to help educate the local community. With help from the city of Clearwater, marine biologist Dennis Kellenberger, the local community, and Sunset Sam, Clearwater Marine Science Center set the foundation for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium you know today.
What started with a fish exhibit is now home to hundreds of rescued marine life and unique guest areas. CMA still utilizes the water treatment plant donated in 1978 but has expanded the facility to provide care for more rescued animals in need. CMA’s mission? To preserve our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation. Sunset Sam, the first dolphin to survive a stranding in Florida, became CMA’s first well-known rescued resident bottlenose dolphin in 1984. Since then, with so many rescues and rehabilitation stories to share, CMA had no idea that one incredible dolphin’s rescue story would impact the world 20 years later.
Winter arrived at CMA in December 2005 and became a resident of CMA in 2006 and forever changed CMA’s trajectory. Winter’s story inspired children and wounded soldiers, in essence, inspiring humanity. Her first prosthetic tail consultation occurred the following year, which inspired Winter’s first book Winter’s Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again, published in 2010.
Hope was rescued on December 11, 2010, and the rest is history. The movies Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2 brought Winter and Hope’s stories to the big screen and to people around the world. Their stories of resilience continue to inspire people worldwide and educate people on the importance of ocean and marine life conservation.
CMA is recognized as a remarkable home to a variety of rescued marine animals needing 24/7 care. They contribute to crucial manatee and North Atlantic right whale research, and help conserve our local sea turtle populations through nest monitoring every year.
Not your typical aquarium, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is dedicated to preserving environmental balance and telling inspirational stories of rescue and rehabilitation. There are many monthly events and even a complimentary audio tour sponsored by Baycare, with both an adult and kids version, so guests can learn about the exciting rescue stories of CMA’s resident animals.
You can get up close and personal with their five rescued resident Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, through the 40-foot-wide Window of Wonder. (CMA is also home to two rescued rough-toothed dolphins.) Spend an afternoon on the water on Sea Life Safari or Dolphin Adventure boat tours.
Come celebrate 50 years of rescue, rehab and release of marine life by visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium on your visit to Clearwater Beach. CMA has helped to make a difference in our local marine ecosystems and the conservation and research efforts of species all over the world.
P.S. To report a stranding or marine animal in distress contact CMA’s 24-hr rescue hotline 727-441-1790 Ext. 1. Since 2010, they have rescued 1600+ sea turtles and released 850+ rescued/rehabilitated animals.
Live Webcams www.cmaquarium.org/webcams
Like CMA on social @cmaquarium.
249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL
727-441-1790
www.cmaquarium.org
CMA EVENTS See rescued dolphins at the new Ruth and J.O Stone Dolphin Complex, featuring spectacular underwater views, and discover the world of marine life rescue in our working marine animal hospital.
Go Wild at CMA with a special animal event Feb. 18-20 where you can learn about a variety of wild species with rescued animals from partner organizations and educational activities on biodiversity. This special experience will be different each day and will feature rescued animals and educational activities in the R.O. Jacobson Education Center on the second level; included with admission. Check Facebook for upcoming spring dates.
Dino Rescue through April 15 is included with admission. Get close to life-size dinosaurs, some as tall as 35 feet and 65 feet long, which move and roar, as they rehabilitate from various ailments today’s animals face – like habitat loss and entanglement.
Summer Camps Sign up now for CMA camps featuring snorkeling, kayaking, boating, hands-on learning, and special interactions with our resident rescued animals. Book now! www.fal.cn/3v8pC