Press Releases Archives - Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Launches Two New Habitats: Wings & Wildlife and Animal Connections Village

Posted June 5, 2026

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is spreading its wings in an exciting new way with the debut of Wings & Wildlife, a brand-new habitat introducing guests to several varieties of tropical birds and tortoises, as well as an Animal Connections Village with two sugar gliders, a chinchilla, and the addition of Benjamin the Virginia opossum.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Mourns the Loss of Dennis Kellenberger, Founder and First Executive Director

Posted May 31, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Dennis Kellenberger, one of the founding figures of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.

Country Mile Entertainment Commences Principal Photography on “Christmas in Clearwater”

Posted May 29, 2026

Country Mile Entertainment has commenced principal photography on Christmas in Clearwater, a coastal Christmas romance starring Katrina Norman (Christmas in Homestead) and Ignacyo Matynia (My Nightmare Landlord), directed by Lindsay Hartley (The Recipe Files). Shooting on location in Florida’s Gulf Coast, the film features the Clearwater Marine Aquarium as both a primary setting and a central element of the story. Christmas in Clearwater is targeting a Christmas 2026 release.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Launches Inaugural “Seas the Day” Luncheon Fundraiser to Support Marine Life Rescue and Care

Posted May 14, 2026

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) proudly hosted its first-ever Seas the Day luncheon fundraiser on Thursday, April 30, bringing together community leaders, partners and supporters for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to marine life rescue, rehabilitation and conservation.

North Atlantic Right Whale Calving Season Wraps with 23 Calves Spotted

Posted May 1, 2026

The 2025–2026 North Atlantic right whale calving season, which ran from November through April, concluded on a hopeful note with a total of 23 calves documented. This marks the first time in 15 years that more than 20 calves have been recorded in a single season—an encouraging milestone for this critically endangered species.

Ready, Set, Go! It’s Sea Turtle Nesting Season Again, and Clearwater Marine Aquarium is Back at the Beaches

Updated May 1, 2026 Posted April 30, 2026

Clearwater Marine Aquarium has officially kicked off its annual sea turtle nesting season patrol. Sea turtle nesting season officially runs May 1 through October 31 and marks a critical period as adult turtles return to the beaches where they were born to lay eggs.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Scientists Collaborate to Publish First Abundance Estimate of Greater Caribbean Manatees in Belize

Updated May 1, 2026 Posted April 28, 2026

Researchers from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), in collaboration with partners across the United States, Belize and the wider Caribbean, have published the first statistically robust estimate of the population abundance and distribution of the Greater Caribbean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in Belize.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s New H2O Mobile Exhibit Visits Countryside Library, April 29

Updated April 29, 2026 Posted April 22, 2026

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is hitting the road with its new Healthy Habitats and Oceans (H2O) Mobile Exhibit, a 38-foot traveling experience designed to bring hands-on marine science education directly into the community. Media are invited to get an exclusive look at the exhibit on April 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Countryside Library in Clearwater.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Keep Pinellas Beautiful Celebrate World Oceans Day with Free Community Event on Saturday, June 6

Updated April 23, 2026 Posted April 16, 2026

Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Keep Pinellas Beautiful, in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tampa Bay Roots & Shoots Alliance, are thrilled to sponsor an inspiring and educational World Oceans Day celebration on Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 2.pm. at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Treat Mom to a Memorable Mother’s Day Brunch at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Updated April 16, 2026 Posted April 15, 2026

Celebrate on May 10 with a chef-crafted waterfront buffet, interactive family activities, and all-day admission to explore rescued marine life.