Pelicans

Our pelicans inspire guests to reduce human impact challenges to these animals and similar species in our waterways by disposing of trash properly, recycling, and not cutting fishing lines.

Where to See

Rufus Beach

Resident Pelicans

Age: Approx. 16
Sex: Female
Favorite Food: Silversides, capelin

Arrival Date: June 12, 2012

Ricky, a great white pelican, was one of the pelicans that played the part of “Rufus” in the Dolphin Tale movies. This was not Ricky’s first experience working in front of a camera; she was also in the movie Zohan starring Adam Sandler.

Ricky now calls Clearwater Marine Aquarium home and inspires guests to learn about her species and other sea birds that surround our waterways, helping bring awareness to wildlife along our coastal waters.

Adopt Rufus

Age: 11
Sex: Female
Favorite Food: Silversides, capelin

Arrival Date: 2017

Skylar Ann currently shares space with Ricky in our aviary. She is smaller in overall size and also a little shorter than Ricky. The most notable difference between the two is her left leg—which is permanently damaged due to a previous injury that fractured it. Because of the way her leg healed, she will always have a slight limp when she walks.

Named in honor of Skylar Ann Scarnecchia, a 7th-grade cancer survivor and amputee, who impresses us with her courage and smile. Her prosthetic leg comes from Hanger Clinic, where Winter gets her prosthetic tail.

Adopt Skylar Ann

Age: 7
Sex: Male
Favorite Food: Herring, silversides, capelin

Arrival Date: 2017

Matthew is bold and stands his ground. He love enrichment, finding fish, and sprays of water. Matthew can be found in Pelican Beach with the other great white pelicans.

Named in honor of Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Steven Sitton, who died in August 2012 after stepping on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Matthew lived in Pinellas County.

Adopt Matthew

Age: 7
Sex: Male
Favorite Food: Herring, silversides, capelin

Arrival Date: 2017

Tyndall is shy and curious. He love enrichment, finding fish, and sprays of water. Tyndall can be found in Pelican Beach with the other great white pelicans.

Named in honor of Caleb Tyndall, an amazing 23-year-old with extensive medical issues who was inspired by Winter’s refusal to give up.

Adopt Tyndall