Assist Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Recovering from Hurricane Helene's Devastation

On September 26th, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Clearwater, Florida, devastating the waterfront-based Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The storm, which intensified into a Category 4, caused extensive damage across the city, Tampa Bay, and the Southeastern United States.

The aquarium, a marine wildlife hospital, was inundated with over four feet of water during the hurricane. The extended power outage and saltwater flooding damaged critical equipment, including life support systems for the animals, freezers, laundry machines, air compressors, and other essential tools.

In an email to the public, Dr. James Powell, the aquarium's chief zoological officer and executive director, described the situation:

“Unfortunately, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, had catastrophic damage. We lost most of our life support systems because of the flooding. The highest anyone can remember. We just moved our rehab manatees back to ZooTampa temporarily (including Yeti who was rescued from CR) and our rehab sea turtles are heading down to Gumbo Limbo.

We're in immediate/urgent need of -80 ultralow lab grade freezer if anyone has contacts with medical facilities that may have a backup or surplus one to lend. As well, donations would be gratefully received”.

Beyond the impact on animal habitats, the aquarium's elevators faced flooding, and many lower-level areas suffered significant water damage. The team is engaged in repair efforts to restore the aquarium's functionality. The staff and volunteers have mobilized to assert the damage, engaging in cleaning, drying, and transporting animal food and supplies. Concurrently, they continue to provide unwavering care to the animal residents who remain at the aquarium.

Because of the severe damage caused by the hurricane in the Clearwater area, including its renowned beach, the Memorial Causeway has been closed for several days, restricting access for teams to reach the aquarium. Consequently, Clearwater Marine Aquarium remains closed until the hurricane damage is cleared. Their return to normal operations will require our support.

Why Support Clearwater Marine Aquarium?

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a renowned marine wildlife hospital, specializes in rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals, otters, and sea turtles. Comprising dedicated staff and volunteers, the aquarium's animal care team works tirelessly to restore the health of these animals, striving for their full recovery and eventual return to the wild.

The animals under their care arrive at the aquarium because of various reasons, such as illness, being orphaned, or sustaining injuries. Many of them are discovered by residents, fishermen, park rangers, and even tourists who come across their plight.

During normal operating hours, Clearwater Marine Aquarium's rescue team swiftly responds to strandings reported along Florida's west coast, encompassing Pinellas, Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco, Citrus, and Levy counties. In these rescue missions, the team collaborates closely with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and several local wildlife rescue organizations. This collaboration aims to ensure a prompt response to strandings, facilitate appropriate treatment and transportation for distressed wildlife, and collectively provide the highest level of care possible.

Most of the aquarium's animal patients are sea turtles. These turtles suffer from various ailments, including buoyancy disorders, cold stun symptoms, fibropapilloma tumors, boat strike injuries, and entanglement injuries. The aquarium's sea turtle rehab facility is one of only six in Florida that treats sea turtles with the fibropapilloma virus by surgically removing tumors from their bodies.

Besides sea turtles, the aquarium also houses permanent animal residents. These animals receive high-quality medical care and treatments from a team of full-time veterinarians, vet techs, animal care staff, volunteers, and interns.

The aquarium also operates a separate marine mammal stranding station in Redington Beach. This facility focuses on the rehabilitation and short-term care of stranded marine mammals, such as manatees, small whales, and dolphins. The stranding station is not open to the public.

With the goal of releasing rescued animals back into their natural habitats, rehabilitation plans are tailored to address the specific needs of each patient, considering their unique illnesses or injuries. Upon receiving clearance from the NOAA, the aquarium proceeds with the release of the named animals, using radio tracking devices to monitor their progress. However, if an animal is deemed "non-releasable" because of various factors, a permanent home is provided either at the aquarium or at an alternative facility designated by the United States National Marine Fishery Services, ensuring their well-being and care.

Statistics

• Over 1600 sea turtles have been rescued since 2010.
• Over 2100 sea turtle nests have been monitored since 2010.
• Since 2010, over 850 animals have been rescued.
• Between 2020 and 2021, volunteers dedicated approximately 190,000 hours to the organization's efforts.

While Clearwater Marine Aquarium remains temporarily closed, they continue to work diligently. Necessary repairs are being made, debris is being cleaned up, and the aquarium team will provide regular updates on their progress. An official announcement regarding the safe reopening of the aquarium will be made once all necessary preparations are complete.

Your support is crucial during this time. Consider making a onetime donation or setting up a monthly contribution. Your generosity will directly help with the care of the animals and the rebuilding of their cherished facility. Together, we can ensure that Clearwater Marine Aquarium will continue to provide a unique and educational experience for visitors and marine life enthusiasts alike.

Click here to donate.