The facility was originally founded in a repurposed water treatment plant in 1972.
Many of the resident animals are permanently blind, missing limbs, or suffer from buoyancy issues that prevent them from surviving in the wild.
The aquarium's veterinary team operates a 24/7 rescue hotline for stranded marine life in the region.
The facility manages the Sea Turtle Conservation Program, which monitors nesting activity on local beaches during the summer.
Some of the resident dolphins were involved in the film 'Dolphin Tale', which brought significant international attention to the rescue mission.
The medical facility includes a specialized 'dolphin hospital' wing designed for high-level surgical and therapeutic procedures.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working marine rescue facility located on Clearwater Beach, focusing on the rehabilitation and release of injured marine life. Unlike traditional zoos, the center serves as a working hospital where visitors view animals currently undergoing medical treatment. The facility gained global recognition as the home of Winter the dolphin, who utilized a prosthetic tail. It features expansive underwater viewing windows for resident non-releasable dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and pelicans. The aquarium prioritizes educational programming regarding marine conservation and local ecosystem health. Exhibits are primarily open-air or under covered structures to allow for natural lighting and ventilation. Its mission emphasizes rescue, rehabilitation, and release, with many resident animals acting as permanent ambassadors due to permanent injuries. The site underwent significant expansion in recent years to enhance clinical capabilities and guest observation areas.
The underwater observation deck provides a clear, immersive perspective of dolphins swimming against the backdrop of the bay.
Check the daily rescue and rehabilitation update board near the entrance to see which animals are currently in the ICU.
Visit the 'manatee rehabilitation' area to learn how cold-stress or boat-strike injuries are treated before release.
Allocate time to watch the scheduled enrichment or feeding demonstrations to see the animals interact with their trainers.
Do not expect a traditional high-energy circus-style dolphin show, as the facility focuses on clinical observation and natural behavior.
Maintain quiet voices near rehabilitation areas to reduce stress for recovering animals; flash photography is strictly prohibited.
