Gotta Go Orlando
- Aug 13

Clearwater Marine Aquarium's Manatee Rehabilitation Center is now open

The new center at CMA represents a major step forward in manatee conservation.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium has opened its Manatee Rehabilitation Center, heralding a significant milestone for the Aquarium.

This state-of-the-art facility will help accommodate the surge in manatees requiring care. CMA will provide assistance to sick, injured or orphaned manatees which includes individuals affected by habitat loss, boat strike wounds, ingestion of foreign objects, entanglements and cold stress syndrome. Equipped with the latest technology, including ozone treatment and medical habitats with false bottoms, the center is designed to ensure the comfort and well-being of these gentle sea creatures.

"Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been dedicated to the conservation and protection of manatees for over two decades. Thanks to our donors, guests, and sponsors, this vision is now a reality," said Joe Handy, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. "We are the first responders of the ocean, from research to monitoring, and now rehabilitation. From international waters like Belize, Cubaand the Dominican Republic, to our own local Florida waters, we are ready to protect this keystone species," said Handy. "By educating our visitors and supporting research and rescue efforts, we can make a real difference in the survival of these gentle giants. It is our responsibility to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to appreciate and admire manatees in their native waters."

The first two manatee patients were recently welcomed and both transported from ZooTampa at Lowry Park, which like CMA, is also a member of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP). ZooTampa, along with SeaWorld Orlando and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens are critical care facilities for manatee rehabilitation.

Two of those facilities have at least 20 manatees currently receiving care, so their transfer to CMA helps alleviate the critical care bed space. CMA will be moving toward accepting critical care cases in the near future after its surgical suite is renovated, enlarged and equipped to allow for manatee surgical needs.

The first patients are:

YETI - Yeti was rescued by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, ZooTampa and U.S. Fish and Wildlife for cold stress in Kings Bay, Citrus County, Florida on Feb. 15, 2024. He was 205 centimeters long and weighed 365 pounds at the time of his rescue. Yeti was transported to ZooTampa at Lowry Park for critical care and was transferred to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for continued rehabilitation. He is currently 216 centimeters long and weighs 495 pounds.

ZAMBONI - Zamboni was rescued for cold stress by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and ZooTampa in Placida Bayou, Pinellas County, Florida on Jan. 25, 2024. He was 200 centimeters long and weighed 306 pounds at the time of his rescue. Zamboni was transported to ZooTampa at Lowry Park for critical care and transferred to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for continued rehabilitation. He is currently 208 centimeters long and weighs 440 pounds.

Funding for this project is made possible by the State of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Duke Energy Foundation, John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program and numerous private donors.

For more info: Manatee Rehabilitation Center.

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