Resident rescued dolphins Nick and Hemingway were the first to move into CMA’s expansion which will be the new home to Dolphin Tale star, Winter the Dolphin
CLEARWATER, Fla. (July 21, 2020) – Today, Clearwater Marine Aquarium passed a major milestone in welcoming the first rescued resident dolphins to its $80 million expansion which broke ground in 2016.
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More information about the Stone Dolphin Complex
Nicholas, who came to CMA in 2002, and Hemingway, who joined CMA in July, were moved this morning and placed in the 1.5 million gallon habitat. Nicholas and Hemingway are the first of CMA’s rescued resident dolphins to experience the new habitat. CMA’s most famous resident, Winter the Dolphin from the Dolphin Tale movie blockbuster, is expected to join her friends by the end of July.
“This new habitat triples our dolphin pool space allowing us to care for twice as many rescued dolphins, including new species,” said CEO Frank Dame. “The Ruth and J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex was built specifically for our rescued animals and the unique care they require each day,” Dame continued, “we’re so excited to share this new space with the dolphins in our care and the guests that come to see and support them.”
Perhaps the most impressive addition to the complex, aside from the animals, is the 40 feet wide and 16 feet tall viewing window. Made 12.5 inches thick, the window offers sweeping underwater views of CMA’s resident dolphins that was never possible in their previous facility. There are nine underwater viewing windows in the new complex.
Guests are invited to come see Nicholas and Hemingway in their new home before Winter, Hope and PJ join them. For guests unable to visit in-person, there are several ways to experience CMA virtually through webcams and personalized videos. Visit seewinter.com for tickets and details.
Submit interview requests: Kelsy Long, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, klong@cmaquarium.org.
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About Clearwater Marine Aquarium:
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, nurse sharks and more. Winter the dolphin’s story of survival, after an injury that caused her to lose her tail, has impacted millions of people around the world. Major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) features Winter’s story and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the incredible story of Hope, a young resident dolphin of CMA. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, right whales and sea turtles. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world. seewinter.com