Clearwater Marine Aquarium Formally Opens First Manatee Rehabilitation Center

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has celebrated the grand opening of its first manatee rehabilitation center, marking a significant milestone in marine wildlife care. This new facility is now open to the public and plays a crucial role in Florida's statewide network of marine life hospitals, serving as a secondary holding facility for rescued manatees. Initially, these gentle giants receive critical care at specialized institutions like ZooTampa or SeaWorld Orlando before being transferred to CMA for further rehabilitation. The first patients at the center, Yeti and Zamboni, are two juvenile manatees that were rescued after experiencing cold stress, a common issue affecting manatees in colder waters. Andy Garrett, the FWC Manatee Rescue Coordinator, emphasized the importance of such facilities in the overall manatee rescue efforts across the state.

The center not only provides essential medical care but also aims to prepare these manatees for a successful return to the wild. With this new addition, CMA enhances its commitment to marine conservation and public education regarding Florida's unique wildlife. The opening of the center is a timely response to the ongoing challenges faced by manatees, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in wildlife preservation.