Clearwater Marine Aquarium move manatees after facilities damaged by Hurricane Helene
CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — A pair of manatees in the care of Clearwater Marine Aquarium staff were moved after the facility was damaged by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.
The aquarium said it experienced over 4 feet of flooding during Helene, causing a loss of power and extensive damage to vital equipment.
While the facility is being repaired, a pair of manatee patients, Yeti and Zamboni, were transferred to ZooTampa at Lowry Park on Saturday morning.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium move manatees after facilities damaged by Hurricane Helene
Dad walks nearly 30 miles through flood debris to walk daughter down the aisle
Gov. DeSantis, Emergency Management Director to speak in Steinhatchee
Once the aquarium's facilities are operational, CMA will coordinate with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership and FWC to determine a timeframe for the manatee's return.
In addition, CMA announced sea turtles in rehabilitation at the aquarium were temporarily transferred to The Coastal Stewards at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton.
CMA announced it will stay closed while Clearwater Beach is closed and working on cleanup, saying the aquarium will not reopen until it is safe to do so.
