Clearwater Marine Aquarium announces campaign to raise $32 million to expand conservation efforts

CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — The Clearwater Marine Aquarium will soon expand its conservation efforts following a big announcement Tuesday.

CMA announced “Rising Tides,” a campaign to raise $32 million to bring in new wildlife and habitats, a state-of-the-art animal hospital, and launch global conservation efforts.

The multi-year plan of expansion is slated for completion by 2030.

The first addition is the opening of the Manatee Rehabilitation Center, which is scheduled to open in the spring.

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“We’re getting ready to pour concrete, and then shortly thereafter will be able to help rescue manatees, rehabilitate them and release them back into their natural environment,” said Kelly Martin, Vice President of Zoological Care.

“We’re not expanding our footprint, we’re just remodeling certain areas of the facility,” said Anthony Rivera, Chief Operating Officer with Clearwater Marine Aquarium. “We’re going to reimagine the space, be able to add animals in to really make it exciting experience for our guests, but also an educational one, and for the conservation of animals as well.”

Additional wildlife being brought to CMA will include sea lions, sharks, penguins and albino alligators.

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“We’re looking to teach as many people as we can about what they can do in the wild to help conservation efforts for these animals that were bringing on board,” said Rivera.

Internationally, CMA will be breaking ground this summer on a Belize Marine Rescue and Educational Center, a Clearwater Marine Aquarium Facility.

“We can preserve these animals, animals for our children and future generations,” said Martin.

You can donate to Rising Tides on the aquarium’s website.

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