Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage Clearwater Fl 33767
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a popular marine life rescue and rehabilitation center located at 249 Windward Passage in Clearwater, Florida. It is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing marine animals back into their natural habitat. The aquarium is home to a number of different marine animals, including sea turtles, dolphins, otters, and many more.
History of Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium was founded in 1972 by a small group of volunteers who were passionate about marine life conservation. In the early days, the aquarium was primarily focused on rehabilitating sea turtles, but over the years it has expanded to include a wide range of marine animals. Today, it is one of the leading marine life rescue and rehabilitation centers in the world.
The aquarium became famous in 2011 when it was featured in the hit movie, "Dolphin Tale". The movie tells the true story of Winter, a bottlenose dolphin who was rescued by the aquarium after she lost her tail in a crab trap. The movie brought international attention to the aquarium and its mission, and helped to raise awareness about the importance of marine life conservation.
Marine Animals at the Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to a wide range of marine animals, including sea turtles, dolphins, otters, and many more. Visitors to the aquarium can see these animals up close and learn about their stories and the rehabilitation process they go through before being released back into the wild.
One of the most famous animals at the aquarium is Winter, the bottlenose dolphin who lost her tail. Visitors can see Winter, as well as other dolphins, in the aquarium's Dolphin Terrace exhibit. The aquarium also has a Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, where visitors can watch as injured and sick sea turtles are nursed back to health.
Visiting the Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission prices vary depending on age and whether you want to add on any additional experiences. Visitors can choose from a number of different experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and more.
The aquarium also offers a number of educational programs for schools and other groups. These programs are designed to teach visitors about marine life conservation and the importance of protecting our oceans and waterways.
Conclusion
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a must-see destination for anyone interested in marine life conservation. The aquarium's dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating marine animals is truly inspiring, and visitors can learn a lot about these amazing creatures during their visit. Whether you're a local or a tourist, a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is sure to be a memorable experience.
