This year Clearwater Marine Aquarium celebrates 50 years making a difference in local marine ecosystems and the conservation and research efforts of species all over the world! Community support throughout the years allows CMA to continue their mission; to preserve the environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
Sunset Sam, the first dolphin to survive a stranding in Florida, became the first well-known rescued resident bottlenose dolphin in 1984. Winter the dolphin became a resident of CMA in 2006 and forever changed the impact on marine conservation, with her story of resilience after injury from a crab pot that caused her to lose her tail. Winter’s story inspired children and wounded soldiers, in essence, inspiring humanity. Hope was rescued on December 11, 2010, and the rest is history. Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2 brought Winter and Hope’s stories to the big screen and to people everywhere.
Although Winter has passed on, her story continues to inspire millions around the world. Other marine life featured in the Dolphin Tale Films and their rescued friends can be found at CMA in their 1.5-million-gallon habitat completed in 2020.
For more details on Clearwater Marine Aquarium visit their page.
