Clearwater Marine Aquarium breaks ground on Manatee Rehabilitation Center

Joe Handy, chief executive office of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, speaking at the ground breaking ceremony (Image courtesy of Clearwater Marine Aquarium)

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) in Clearwater, Florida, held a ceremony in honor of its breaking ground at the site of its Manatee Rehabilitation Center. The center will allow CMA to accept manatees in need of restorative care and will care for those recovering from the effects of seagrass and habitat loss contributing to the Unusual Mortality Event (UME) and Florida’s east coast, red tide exposure, boat strike wounds, and more.

"Clearwater Marine Aquarium is committed to the conservation and protection of manatees, and the aquarium plays a vital role in this effort," said Joe Handy, CEO, in an organizational release.¹ "By educating our visitors and supporting research and rescue efforts, we can make a real difference in the survival of these gentle giants," said Handy. "It is our responsibility to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to appreciate and admire these magnificent creatures in their native waters."

According to the release, the aquarium introduced a new Research Institute division in 2019 that encompassed staff and programs of the former Sea to Shore Alliance Organization.¹ The new center will use technology, such as ozone treatment and medical habitats with false bottoms, to comfort the manatees while maintaining safe conditions for the animal care staff. CMA’s other goal for the new center is to educate aquarium guests on manatees and their conservation status as well as give visitors a place to learn about the threats they face and what people can do to help.

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

Reference

Clearwater Marine Aquarium's Manatee Rehabilitation Center Officially Breaks Ground. News release. Clearwater Marine Aquarium. April 25, 2023. Accessed April 26, 2023. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/clearwater-marine-aquariums-manatee-rehabilitation-center-officially-breaks-ground-301807444.html