In 1984, CMSC rescued a stranded Atlantic bottlenose dolphin named 'Sunset Sam.' This was the first dolphin in Florida to survive a beaching. Over the next few years, thanks to individual and corporate donations and immense volunteer efforts, CMSC continued to grow. The room featured old exhibits from the Sea-Orama, a mounted fish exhibit which was formerly on display at the Clearwater Marina. In 1981, the first exhibit room was opened to the public. Gradually, the cement and steel building was modified for aquarium purposes and in 1980 was granted a USDA Research Facility permit, allowing it to prepare two 65,000 gallon pools for the rehabilitation of dolphins and sea turtles. Kellenberger's main duties were teaching summer camp classes for children and spearheading a massive remodeling effort of the facility. In 1979, marine biologist Dennis Kellenberger was hired as CMSC's Executive Director. With its huge holding pools and bayside location, the building was a perfect fit for a marine facility's needs. In 1978, the city of Clearwater agreed to donate the aquarium's current facility, an abandoned water treatment plant, to CMSC. They were incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the name Clearwater Marine Science Center (CMSC). In 1972, a group of private volunteers decided it was time to establish a permanent marine biology learning center in the Clearwater area. Winter later starred in the 2011 film, Dolphin Tale, and the sequel, Dolphin Tale 2, shot partially on location at the aquarium. Her injuries caused the loss of her tail, and the aquarium fitted her with a prosthetic tail which brought worldwide attention to the facility. The aquarium's best-known permanent resident was Winter, a bottlenose dolphin who was rescued in December 2005 after having her tail caught in a crab trap. Numerous forms of marine life are permanent residents at the aquarium, all of which have serious injuries that prevent their return to the wild. It is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured marine animals, public education, conservation, and research.Ĭlearwater Marine Aquarium opened in 1972 at its current location on Clearwater Beach, in a former water treatment plant (the large pools being well-suited for rehabilitation operations).

Clearwater marine aquarium summer camp