Rehabilitating Turtles Return to Clearwater Marine Aquarium Following Hurricanes

Sea turtles had to be moved from Aquarium to East Coast facility

CLEARWATER, FL (Nov. 20, 2024) – The sea turtles that had to be relocated from Clearwater Marine Aquarium after Hurricane Helene have now returned to CMA.

After the Sept. 26 hurricane brought almost four feet of water to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the life support systems (filtration) for the sea turtle rehabilitation pools were severely damaged. Due to that damage, on Sept. 28, the turtles in rehabilitation were transferred to Coastal Stewards in Boca Raton for continued care while CMA made repairs.

Thanks to emergency funding awarded from the Sea Turtle Grants Program, which is supported by a portion of revenues from Florida’s Sea Turtle Specialty License Plate, CMA was able to successfully repair the filtration to the turtle rehab pools. The systems are now functioning and we have resumed operations for the sea turtle rehabilitation program, said Kerry McNally, Phd, research scientist and sea turtle rehabilitation manager.

Three of the turtles – Topaz, Guayana and Franklin –  were transferred back to CMA from Coastal Stewards on Monday. Staff from Coastal Stewards met with CMA staff halfway between the facilities to transfer the turtles. The turtles stayed in dry docks overnight until a full exam was conducted by CMA veterinarians before they were placed in their pools, where they will continue their road to recovery.  

In addition, two sea turtles were also rescued Monday by CMA and have been taken to rehabilitation.

The hospital is still in need of essential medical equipment that was damaged so we can provide critical care to sick and injured sea turtles. Donations can be made by going to www.cmaquarium.org/hurricane/.

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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