Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Blog & News

Sea Turtle Shellebration: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Features Resident Sea Turtle, Stubby, with Book Launch

Clearwater Marine Aquarium invites guests to a Sea Turtle Shellebration on July 24, a family-friendly event spotlighting the launch of a children’s book written about one of CMA’s resident sea turtles, Stubby. The event will feature longtime CMA volunteer and author, Madison DiLoren, and the debut of a sea turtle-inspired clothing line from local brand Emerson and Friends.

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Clearwater Marine Aquarium Mourns the Passing of Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, A Giant in Manatee Research

With extremely heavy hearts, Clearwater Marine Aquarium announces that Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, Chief Zoological Officer of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Executive Director of Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), passed away Saturday, July 19, following a brief illness. For more than 50 years, Dr. Powell worked to conserve manatees and other endangered species such as North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles around the world through science and education. With an integrated approach to unlock solutions for conservation issues, his efforts have resulted in coastal protected areas in Florida, West Africa, Belize and Cuba.

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Cool Down With “Summer Splash” This July at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is turning up the fun this July with “Summer Splash,” a month-long celebration filled with interactive marine-themed activities the whole family will enjoy. From July 1 through July 31, guests can experience the excitement of water-filled activities and educational animal demonstrations.

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Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Quince

Quince is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found washed ashore on Belleair Beach on March 11th. Quince was very lethargic and thin at intake examination with a small load of fibropapilloma tumors present.

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Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Walnut

Walnut is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found floating near Madeira Beach on April 18th. Walnut has a very thin body condition at intake examination and a minor load of fibropapilloma tumors present. Their initial treatment plan consists of antibiotics and fluid therapy.

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Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Niaouli

Niaouli is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found washed ashore on Redington Beach on March 2nd. Niaouli was very lethargic upon intake with ulceration to their skin and a moderate amount of epibiota present on their carapace. Niaouli was started on fluid therapy, antibiotics, and steroids.

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Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Bonsai

Bonsai is a large juvenile, almost subadult green sea turtle, who was found out of habitat in a brackish water source in Homosassa. Bonsai was monitored by our partners at University of Florida Marine Animal Response. This area was difficult to navigate and see due to water clarity and location. However, once an opportunity arose, Bonsai was rescued by UF, and they were transported to CMA for rehabilitation on May 7th. Bonsai is otherwise in good body condition. We are hopeful for a quick turnaround!

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Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Cedar

Cedar is a juvenile, green sea turtle who was found in a pond near the Steinhatchee River in Taylor county on May 21st. Cedar has a minor case of fibropapilloma and is in relatively a good body condition!

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Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Madre

Madre is a subadult, green sea turtle who was found floating near New Port Richey on May 11. They were reported to have issues staying submerged. Madre has a previous injury to their carapace likely from a boat strike. Over the next several days, we will be performing diagnostics to help figure out the cause of their buoyancy.

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