CLEARWATER, FL (Aug. 30, 2023) – Clearwater Marine Aquarium is happy to report that we have received no damage from Hurricane Idalia.
“I don’t think the animals, except for the pelicans, who were brought inside, knew there was a hurricane,” said Kelly Martin, Vice President of Zoological Care.
A ride out crew of 15 staff members including CMA veterinarian, stayed overnight at the aquarium to ensure the safety of all animals and the building. Currently, we are monitoring the weather in anticipation of a possible storm surge.
CMA is in contact with many rescue organizations, and is prepared to assist facilities affected by the storm.
We’ve also heard from our turtle nesting biologists that because a lot of the beaches have been flooded or eroded, there is possibility that nests may have washed away. We’re not certain when it will be OK to check the nests due to bridge closures.
Our teams are now tasked with getting the facility back in order and are preparing to reopen Thursday morning, Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. for our guests.
Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser, mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org, (727) 242-0770
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, a nurse shark and more. Winter the dolphin’s story of survival, after an injury that caused her to lose her tail, has impacted millions of people around the world. Major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) features Winter’s story and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the incredible story of Hope, a young resident dolphin of CMA. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, right whales and sea turtles. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world. cmaquarium.org
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© 2023 Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 | 727-445-1139 | 727-441-1790 | mission.cmaquarium.org | cmaquarium.org
We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
A Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization