Sealed With a Kiss: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Welcomes Three Harbor Seals

‘Sips & Seals at Sunset’ with concert by “Glee” star Dean Geyer, Feb. 13

(CLEARWATER, FL – Feb. 11 , 2026) – Clearwater Marine Aquarium welcomes three harbor seals — Scallop, Pharaoh and Ocean—marking both a brand-new species and a newly-renovated seal habitat for CMA, just in time for Valentine’s Day weekend.

The arrival of harbor seals expands CMA’s animal care family and reinforces its mission to inspire human connection to marine life through meaningful, conservation-based stories.

The new harbor seal habitat is part of CMA’s broader plan to incorporate pinnipeds – marine mammals that have front and rear flippers – including harbor seals and California sea lions, into its overall animal care. The exhibit supports CMA’s mission of rescue, rehabilitation, release, and research while broadening educational messaging beyond Florida to address marine conservation challenges not just in Florida, but around the world.

“It’s important to understand that rescue can take many forms and isn’t always limited to direct intervention in the ocean,” said Joe Handy, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. “Some of the most meaningful rescue work happens through rehabilitation and long-term care, that helps prevent harm before it occurs. Our mission of rescue, rehabilitation, release, and research remains steady, and each part plays a vital role in protecting marine life.

CMA will host Sips & Seals at Sunset, Friday, Feb. 13, from 5 – 8 p.m. to introduce the seals to the public with an evening of sunset views and full aquarium admission. CMA’s animal care team will offer an inside look at the seals’ behavior and the care that goes into welcoming these new residents.

Dean Geyer, the South African singer/songwriter and actor known for “Glee” and “Australian Idol” will perform in a special concert that night as well.‑songwriter and actor known for “Glee” and “Australian Idol” will perform in a special concert that night as well.

Sips & Seals at Sunset prices: Guests – $45 for adults, $35 for children: members – $20 for adults, $15 for children. All guests who visit CMA in February will receive one ticket to enter to win a special Seal Gift Pack that includes CMA admission, a seal plush and a private seal meet and greet. For tickets, please visit https://www.cmaquarium.org/event/sips-seals-at-sunset/.

Starting Saturday, Feb. 14, Aquarium guests will be able to see the seals during regular hours to seal the deal to make it an extra special Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s weekend.

The harbor seals were welcomed from The Miami Seaquarium. The three seals are considered non-releasable to the wild, as they were born under managed care and do not possess the life skills necessary to survive in their natural environment. The move was approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

A closer look at the new harbor seals:

Scallop, 10, uses all aspects of her habitat on land and in water. With large round eyes and a rounded body, Scallop prefers to eat underwater and skillfully uses her sensitive whiskers, known as vibrissae.
Pharaoh, 10, is darker in coloration with distinctive light mottling and “eyebrow” markings. She prefers relaxing in the pool and is known affectionately as the group’s “Ice Queen” for her love of ice enrichment.
Ocean, 12, is the largest of the three females. Lighter in color with smaller eyes, Ocean is also the most vocal, using front-flipper movements to communicate.

In summer 2026, CMA plans to welcome additional pinnipeds — sea lions — who will move into a new sea lion habitat currently in development and scheduled to open this summer. The refurbished habitat is being funded by a $6 million grant from the Tourism Development Council, approved by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners.

Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are found across coastal waters of Alaska, New England, the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and West Coast of the United States, as well as the northern coasts of Europe and Asia.

They typically live 20–30 years in the wild and can live up to 50 years under human care. Adults can reach up to 300 pounds and measure five to six feet long. Each seal has a unique pattern of spots—much like a fingerprint—and is easily identified by their rounded heads, V-shaped nostrils, large eyes, lack of external ear flaps, and distinctive claws used for grooming, gripping, and efficient movement on land and in water.

Pinnipeds face threats including pollution, toxins, habitat loss, vessel strikes, harassment, and prey loss due to overfishing. While harbor seals are currently listed as a species of Least Concern overall, some populations are endangered in certain regions, making education and conservation awareness critical.

With the addition of harbor seals, Clearwater Marine Aquarium continues to evolve as a trusted source for marine conservation, inspiring guests to care about the health of oceans.

###

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