Two new sea lions join three harbor seals for this exciting new habitat to educate guests about the species
(CLEARWATER, FL – JUNE 25, 2026) – Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is expanding its conservation and education message with the arrival of two California sea lions and the opening of Pinniped Pier, a new habitat that will provide guests with an immersive opportunity to learn about these charismatic marine mammals.
Pinniped Pier officially opens to guests in July and will be home to Tuna and Wahoo, two California sea lions joining CMA’s growing pinniped family, alongside three harbor seals welcomed earlier this year.
The arrival of California sea lions marks another milestone in CMA’s continued growth and commitment to marine animal care, education and conservation. Through interactive educational experiences and animal care programs, guests will learn about the challenges sea lions face in the wild, including marine debris entanglement, harmful algal blooms, pollution and changing ocean conditions.
“Clearwater Marine Aquarium is entering an exciting new chapter with the opening of the Pinniped Pier habitat, the next major step in our facility revitalization and a project made possible through last year’s $6 million Pinellas County Tourism Development Council grant,” said Joe Handy, CEO of CMA. “This project represents a significant step in strengthening our animal care capabilities and enhancing the guest experience, while continuing to invest in the long‑term future of our facility,” he said. “We are extremely grateful for this grant that gives us an incredible opportunity to welcome these sea lions and seals,” said Handy.
Overlooking Clearwater Bay, Pinniped Pier was designed to support the natural behaviors and welfare needs of both harbor seals and California sea lions. The habitat features areas for swimming, resting and sunning, along with updated thematic elements and specialized sound-mitigation technology.
More than a new habitat, Pinniped Pier expands CMA’s ability to connect guests with marine conservation issues affecting oceans worldwide. While California sea lions are native to the Pacific Coast, the environmental challenges they face—including pollution, entanglement, harmful algal blooms and climate-related changes to ocean ecosystems—are global concerns.
“Although these animals are found thousands of miles from Florida, their stories help us better understand the health of our oceans,” said Handy. “By introducing guests to sea lions and harbor seals, we can inspire greater awareness and action to protect marine life everywhere.”
California sea lions are among the world’s most recognizable pinnipeds, known for their intelligence, social behavior and vocal personalities. Native to the Pacific coast of North America, they are often considered indicators of ocean health because they are particularly vulnerable to changes in marine ecosystems.
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Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770
- About Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) non profit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, harbor seals, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays and more. In 2024, CMA opened the Dr. James “Buddy” Powell Manatee Rehabilitation Center, and now treats manatee patients in coordination with the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP). Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. The major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the true stories of rescued resident dolphins Winter and Hope, inspiring millions around the world. 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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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