Clearwater Marine Aquarium Animals Relocated During Hurricane Recovery

CLEARWATER, FL — Several animals at Clearwater Marine Aquarium were temporarily relocated ahead of recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene’s hit to Florida.

The aquarium was flooded with more than 4 feet of water and “lost power for an extended period” during the storm, CMA wrote in a Facebook post. Vital equipment, including some life-support systems, were also damaged by saltwater.

While the facilities team works to make repairs and get the aquarium fully operational, two manatee patients, Yeti and Zamboni, were brought back to ZooTampa at Lowry Park on Saturday morning.

“Once CMA’s systems are fully operational, we will coordinate with Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership and (the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission) to determine when (the) manatees will return,” the aquarium said.

Sea turtles in rehabilitation were also temporarily transferred to The Coastal Stewards at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton.

“All other resident animals are safe, and some animals have been moved within the facility to ensure they are secure while we address impacts to their habitats,” the aquarium said.

The aquarium will remain closed until it can safely reopen.

Donations can be made online here to support animal care and recovery efforts.