Hidden Gems

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Hidden Gems of St. Petersburg Clearwater

Locations in this article:  Tampa, FL

peterSt. Petersburg Clearwater in Florida has an abundance of marine life in the area. But sometimes, the modern world and sea life crash. That’s when the Clearwater Marine Aquarium steps in.

It may say aquarium on the title, but don’t be fooled. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a real world marine hospital where they actually take injured animals and rehabilitate and release them. The best part? You actually get to go behind the scenes and be a part of the process.

Every year, the Aquarium rescues injured animals from all over the Gulf and Tampa Bay.

The Aquarium’s most famous inhabitant is Winter, a disabled dolphin saved from a crab trap at only three months old. The trap seriously damaged Winter’s tail, which required it to be removed.

Thanks to the Aquarium staff, Winter is now leading a full and healthy life.

But she’s just one of many animals cared for at the Aquarium. The staff and volunteers work around the clock to provide for the rescues that come in.

You can watch the video below to learn more about the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and its efforts to care for rescued and rehabilitated marine animals.

You can discover more of Peter Greenberg’s Hidden Gems. He’ll show you how you can pet a baby sloth in Costa Rica and discover craft beer breweries in Panama.