2 Bottlenose Dolphins, Visiting Baby Kangaroos Welcomed At Clearwater Aquarium

CLEARWATER, FL — Clearwater Marine Aquarium welcomed two bottlenose dolphins and other animals — including a nurse shark, five yellow-footed tortoises, a red-footed tortoise and several tropical birds — from the recently closed Miami Seaquarium to their new permanent home at CMA on Thursday.

The two female bottlenose dolphins are Star, 26, and Squirt, 15, CMA said in a news release. They will eventually join three resident bottlenose dolphins and six rough-toothed dolphin residents in the Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex, after a period of quarantine and acclimation.

The two dolphins were born at the Miami Seaquarium under human care and lack the necessary skills to survive in the wild. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approved a permit to move them to CMA from the Seaquarium, which closed to the public in October.

“This is a part of CMA’s plan to continue to enhance our dolphin social structure for the benefit of our rescued residents,” Joe Handy, CEO of CMA, said. “It’s important to understand that rescue takes many forms, and is not always exclusive to rescue directly from the ocean. Our mission of rescue, rehabilitation, release and research remains steadfast.”

Starting Saturday, the aquarium also welcomed two baby kangaroos for the holiday season.

The two young joeys, provided by Amazing Animals, Inc., are available for a Pouch Pals Baby Roo Encounter, a special program where guests can experience “having a baby kangaroo curl up in their lap, offering gentle interaction, touching, and bonding as the joey relaxes inside its pouch,” CMA said.

Steve, a 7-month-old joey, and Sui, a 1-year-old, are both in early developmental stages and known for their curiosity and energy.

The kangaroo encountered will be offered through Jan. 4.

“Having these joeys here allows our guests to connect with Australian wildlife in a memorable and personal way. Just as importantly, encounters like this help spark meaningful conversations about conservation—why species like kangaroos need healthy habitats, and how each of us can play a role in protecting wildlife around the world,” Handy said.