Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene on Sept. 26 as it hit our waterfront facility with high storm surge and strengthened to become a category 4 storm causing widespread damage across Clearwater Beach, Tampa Bay, Florida and the Southeast U.S.
During Hurricane Helene, CMA was flooded with over 4 feet of water, lost power for an extended period, and vital equipment was damaged by the salt water, including some of our life support systems (LSS). Freezers, lab equipment, laundry machines, air compressors, and other essential tools were also lost or damaged. Elevators were flooded and many lower areas sustained water damage. Our facilities team is working diligently to make repairs and get everything operational as quickly as possible. CMA staff volunteers have been assessing damage, cleaning, drying equipment, transporting animal food and supplies, and continuing to provide daily animal care.
In an abundance of caution for the two manatee patients, Yeti and Zamboni were safely transported from CMA back to ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Saturday morning. Once CMA’s systems are fully operational, we will coordinate with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership and FWC to determine when manatees will return to CMA.
Sea turtles in rehabilitation were also temporarily being transferred to The Coastal Stewards at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton.
We greatly appreciate the support of our partners across Florida and our hearts go out to all those affected throughout Tampa Bay and other areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.
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.
Meanwhile, extensive damage and cleanup efforts in Clearwater Beach have kept the Clearwater Memorial Causeway closed for several days, limiting access for our teams to get to CMA.
Due to these impacts and the damage to our surrounding community in Clearwater Beach, we remain closed until further notice. We need your support to help us reopen quickly and recover from this storm.
You can help support our animal care and recovery efforts by donating today!
Donation Items Needed
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is seeking donations to replace vital equipment lost during Hurricane Helene. Lab equipment, laundry machines, air compressors, and other essential tools were lost or damaged during the storm. Visit our wish list page to purchase an item today at https://www.gifthero.com/cmaquarium.
CMA is also accepting pre-owned items for local donations. Email donate@cmaquarium.org for information on how to donate.
Please ship donated items to the following address:
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Warehouse
ATTN: Wishlist
1415 South MLK jr. Ave
Clearwater, FL 33756
We are so grateful for the love and support we’ve received the last few days following Hurricane Helene. Many of you have contributed to our fundraiser to help rebuild our facility and to continue to care for our animals. We couldn’t do this without your support!