S2 Ep2150: LET'S GO Clearwater Marine Aquarium News, Events & Exhibits Summer 2026

Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser caught up with Clearwater Marine Aquarium's [https://www.cmaquarium.org/]Marsha Strickhouser about news (a movie being filmed there), exhibits and events this summer!  We talked about their rescue, rehabilitation and conservation efforts as well as experiences. Learn more here. [https://www.cmaquarium.org/experience/experiences-exhibits/] 👉Something big, whiskered and wonderful is about to make a splash at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!  In July Pinniped Pier will open, a  brand-new sea lion and seal habitat, and welcoming California sea lions to CMA for the very first time.  More than just a new habitat, Pinniped Pier expands our ability to inspire conservation, support marine animal rescue efforts from coast to coast, and connect guests with the incredible stories of these charismatic pinnipeds. From learning about the challenges sea lions face in the wild to seeing them up close, guests will have a whole new way to experience CMA's mission in action. 👉Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is spreading its wings in an exciting new way with the debut of Wings & Wildlife, a brand-new habitat introducing guests to several varieties of tropical birds and tortoises, as well as an Animal Connections Village with two sugar gliders, a chinchilla and the addition of Benjamin the Virginia opossum. The vibrant new habitat welcomes four charismatic tropical birds who recently arrived at CMA after the closure of Miami Seaquarium, where animal care teams worked to find safe, permanent homes for the animals. Their arrival marks an exciting milestone for CMA, expanding its resident family beyond marine life and introducing guests to an entirely new species group at the aquarium. The Wings & Wildlife habitat is sponsored by Universal Parking [https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.01quUpvbKo8O4-2FEwh-2F3H5aoV8W8DhyZlwA3wHXhFus3UbofL8-2BK118O-2FQevc-2FGRSH3ag_c234HDzl8PPpZYUmluMVtgnS-2Fey1-2BuoG1-2F481298LUG4ipk1-2BLhm99UIwvwVRCVMUb3ihO3i0-2F5gjiPxMy6HatCSa8OFsabAdH5GYf5m9LvufEUmT-2FMHtMJ4beyV3NEteIjuwoWblsj8lrXEuSqhoDFwPUPMmOoNrzL0gd-2BhSWxO4it5YQKxkbGUs3yRjE5w3E-2Bv2HYKmcDmSvt-2BuzX5w00jjLg6lzZN-2Fhorld5YpKQGGcb8q0tb48CKqKj8cP5AROrukH0NYnB8z49udk0QZgIPZJE9d-2B-2FWh2rx64ms4W6-2B3-2FyJAn-2Fx811Y4QxEIPT37-2BcQSL4xT6UFzIKXVWIjfCjXA967JDIGiFIe3kwcDA0hdurFE-2F6j7FawK0Vemptd], CMA’s parking partner.  Several tortoises were also welcomed from Miami Seaquarium, as well as others that were rescued here in Clearwater.  👉The new Animal Connections Village will feature two new sugar gliders, a chinchilla and Benji the opossum. The new habitat is built to look like a Key West village of colorful pastel houses, highlighted by gingerbread trim. The new habitat will be sponsored by CMA’s catering partner, Puff ‘n Stuff Catering. [https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.01quUpvbKo8O4-2FEwh-2F3H5SovMe9JvAQ5SZctBv1O1wvM4COfOs-2F-2BLAbmbhSQrqB33YoY_c234HDzl8PPpZYUmluMVtgnS-2Fey1-2BuoG1-2F481298LUG4ipk1-2BLhm99UIwvwVRCVMUb3ihO3i0-2F5gjiPxMy6HatCSa8OFsabAdH5GYf5m9LvufEUmT-2FMHtMJ4beyV3NEteIjuwoWblsj8lrXEuSqhoDFwPUPMmOoNrzL0gd-2BhSWxO4it5YQKxkbGUs3yRjE5w3E-2Bv2HYKmcDmSvt-2BuzX5w374PPpn5AGlbFi7Ydb4xfkmPE8-2BtwqsSLQhEt2fYMUWkgcizFRAx6NrZolBFUz97xgx7zN4XRME2T8RpLLC-2FySMb3gAwcEfI-2FSruE5-2FwT98bvQrnm2-2BgXGL3r7CnthzQK4YRkO6QlSoATNhg98uEJW9TZeeGaO0QGpendL2EWvs] 👉Wings & Wildlife offers guests an up-close look at some of nature’s  most colorful and intelligent animals, complete with custom-built perches, interactive enrichment spaces and specially designed habitats that allow each animal’s unique personality to shine. “These animals needed a new home, and we are proud to provide them with exceptional care and a safe, enriching environment,” said Joe Handy, CEO of CMA. “The opening of Wings & Wildlife and the Animal Connections Village represent an exciting evolution for Clearwater Marine Aquarium as we continue expanding the ways we connect guests to wildlife, conservation and animal rescue. These two new habitats reflect CMA’s continued commitment to animal rescue, rehabilitation, conservation and providing lifelong care for animals in need.” 👉The habitat officially introduces four tropical bird species to CMA for the first time: a green-winged macaw, Sulphur-crested cockatoo, umbrella cockatoo and red-lored Amazon parrot. Additional species are expected to join the habitat in the coming months.  Guests can now meet the new feathered residents: Big Bird – A striking Green-winged Macaw and the second-largest species of macaw in the world, Big Bird is known for his bright red feathers and booming squawks that can be heard from up to three miles away. Approximately 30 years old, he loves peanuts, dancing to pop music from Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, and greeting guests with enthusiastic “Hello!” and “Hiiiiii!” vocalizations. Although he never learned to fly, his playful personality and joyful spirit make him larger than life. Powder – This affectionate sulphur-crested cockatoo is famous for his cuddly nature and soft white feathers. His name comes from the powder-like substance cockatoos naturally produce to help protect their feathers from rain and moisture. Around 25 years old, Powder enjoys pistachios, bananas and sunflower seeds and can live well into his 90s. Skipper – A critically endangered umbrella cockatoo, Skipper may be shy at first, but he quickly steals hearts when he fans out his signature umbrella-shaped crest feathers. Approximately 20 to 25 years old, Skipper enjoys almonds and apples and has formed a close friendship with fellow bird resident Mr. Thumbs. Mr. Thumbs – The smallest — and arguably loudest — member of the flock, Mr. Thumbs is a red-lored Amazon parrot with a big personality. Known for whistling, making kissing sounds and even purring like a cat, he delights guests with his vocal talents and playful antics. He loves sunflower seeds, fruit and spending time alongside Skipper. 👉The movie "Christmas in Clearwater" is being filmed on location at CMA for a holiday romance set at the aquarium, focusing not only on a love story, but CMA's mission of Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release.  This coastal Christmas romance stars Katrina Norman (Christmas in Homestead) and Ignacyo Matynia (My Nightmare Landlord) and is directed by Lindsay Hartley (The Recipe Files). Shooting on location in Florida’s Gulf Coast, the film features the Clearwater Marine Aquarium as both a primary setting and a central element of the story. Christmas in Clearwater is targeting a Christmas 2026 release. About Clearwater Marine Aquarium:  Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) non profit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, harbor seals, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays and more. In 2024, CMA opened the Dr. James "Buddy" Powell Manatee Rehabilitation Center, and now treats manatee patients in coordination with the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP). Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. The major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the true stories of rescued resident dolphins Winter and Hope, inspiring millions around the world. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world. CMAquarium.org. [https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.01quUpvbKo8O4-2FEwh-2F3H5VL6eyWVvbZiw-2F2yoxLQaR5kvmRErbin8sTi5Be8D3-2BJXpLRZP3acXEf1pgQ9mDHcT8D-2Bu1iS-2Bru1g-2B3sPe2GCD0Y71kK2LhIYTDCbLJ-2F30ujaeOXBt3OA-2FAxsREBc-2BF0F3gMvfksu4lbsY2u855BtTlw6i5-2Fy17Mk9xRazOvLfwhkkuJujWVueV8V2fqV8FrXmlZV9bH6VurBZmvxMItgJok5Dkp9nxGIgeaTclJgH-2F153VxmpmyzAyG2sLMLagYNRJF-2FJoBk1TnhnPnNWo23c-3DtQK0_c234HDzl8PPpZYUmluMVtgnS-2Fey1-2BuoG1-2F481298LUG4ipk1-2BLhm99UIwvwVRCVMUb3ihO3i0-2F5gjiPxMy6HatCSa8OFsabAdH5GYf5m9LvufEUmT-2FMHtMJ4beyV3NEteIjuwoWblsj8lrXEuSqhoDFwPUPMmOoNrzL0gd-2BhSWxO4it5YQKxkbGUs3yRjE5w3E-2Bv2HYKmcDmSvt-2BuzX5w043KD-2B4mL0uOgOy-2Bp5cnP-2BtIV0lm03Z6y8D-2FxQFqL2Oe-2B7kktf-2FdX1gSK8XJxInAee-2Bk2oMlXKdc5MCmsJEydqbnEu6w7-2FL0yhF8YEOEwJ1J5FICznXSphrZGUqS3zLT2r8yz3C-2FJhTN5A2flRqgVItmM1aJwr5-2B-2B-2BoEVdx3OJd]   #clearwatermarineaquarium #marinelife #conservation #rehabilitation #clearwater  #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete