Clearwater Marine Aquarium Welcomes New North American River Otter, “Opie” to Otter Oasis

The little one has been named “Opie” in honor of wildlife facility director

CLEARWATER, FL (April 17, 2024)– Clearwater Marine Aquarium is pleased to announce the arrival of Opie, a young male North American river otter, to its Otter Oasis. Opie joins the CMA family, where he will reside alongside Walle, 13, and Boomer, 6 – two otters who have been captivating visitors since their arrival in 2012 and 2018, respectively. After several weeks of acclimation behind the scenes, Opie has now been introduced to Walle and Boomer where guests will be able to see him adjust to his new habitat.

Opie’s journey began Sept. 24, when he arrived at the Nature World Wildlife Sanctuary of Homosassa after enduring a dog attack that left him with an injury to his right eye. The sanctuary provided Opie with initial care and support. Due to his exposure to regular feeding and human contact it was determined that Opie required further evaluation. CMA, known for its expertise in marine animal care, was chosen as the ideal facility to provide Opie with the next steps in care and determine his best course of action, and whether to release or non-release.

“Opie’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact human actions can have on wild animals,” said Kelly Martin, vice president of zoological care. “It underscores the importance of allowing wildlife to thrive in their natural habitats, as feeding and interacting with them can disrupt their natural behaviors and jeopardize their survival,” Martin said.

Opie’s name holds a special significance, as it pays tribute to the late Mary Opall, the director of Nature World Wildlife Sanctuary, a 501c-3 organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured or orphaned wildlife. Mary, who sadly passed away after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, dedicated her life to wildlife conservation and played a pivotal role in the sanctuary’s success.

While Opie has been deemed non-releasable, he will serve as an ambassador for his species at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. He will have the opportunity to form bonds and engage in exciting interactions with Walle and Boomer, providing invaluable educational experiences about North American River Otters.

CMA remains committed to its mission of rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine life. Opie’s arrival further strengthens CMA’s dedication to wildlife conservation and its ongoing efforts to inspire visitors to protect and preserve our precious marine ecosystems.

For more information about CMA and its newest resident, Opie, please visit www.cmaquarium.org.

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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) nonprofit 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, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, a nurse shark and more. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. 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.

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