Clearwater Marine Aquarium Unveils New Manatee Rehabilitation Center

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has proudly opened its new Manatee Rehabilitation Center, marking a significant advancement in manatee conservation. This state-of-the-art facility has been designed to meet the growing needs of manatees suffering from various issues, including habitat loss, boat strikes, and cold stress syndrome.

The new center is equipped with advanced technology, such as ozone treatment systems and specialized medical habitats, to ensure the highest level of care for these gentle giants. The first patients, Yeti and Zamboni, have already been welcomed into the facility. These manatees were transferred from ZooTampa to continue their rehabilitation at CMA, helping to alleviate the burden on other critical care facilities.

Joe Handy, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, emphasized the importance of the new center in their ongoing commitment to manatee protection and public education. The aquarium has been dedicated to rescuing and caring for manatees for over two decades, and this new facility represents a major step forward in their conservation efforts.

The center's opening will also enhance CMA's ability to handle future critical care cases, as it expands their capacity to provide comprehensive care. This development aligns with CMA’s broader goal of advancing global conservation strategies through research and hands-on care.