What’s NEW at Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Pinniped Pier and more!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has welcomed several new animals to its rescue family over the last year, including new dolphins, a shark and three harbor seals. And this month, two adorable sea lions will make their CMA debut!
Many of these animals needed to find new homes after the closure of the Miami Seaquarium, so the animal care team at CMA dove into action and did what they do best…they welcomed these creatures, who cannot be released back into the wild, into their family.
Oh — and did we mention that CMA did all of this while a Christmas movie was being filmed? It’s safe to say 2026 has been pretty amazing so far here!
Let’s dive into all of the new adventures you can experience this month.
Pinniped Pier Opens July 3, 2026
Located on Level 2 on the Rescue Deck
CMA’s three harbor seals are welcoming new friends, California sea lions Wahoo and Tuna! The new sea lions will move in first, and once they get acclimated, harbor seals Scallop, Pharoh and Ocean will join. We can’t wait to see them all together!
Related: INSIDE LOOK: Clearwater Marine Aquarium welcomes three adorable harbor seals
You’ll find their new home on the Rescue Deck, which has been completely reimagined to create an open-air, covered exhibit. It also overlooks Clearwater Beach and Clearwater Bay, a perfect backdrop for these coastal animals.
Wahoo and Tuna are serving as animal ambassadors for their species, which are facing significant challenges along the West Coast of the United States, many of which are directly influenced by human activity.
Did You Know?? Sea lions are often considered “canaries in the coal mine” for ocean health. Scientists monitor sea lion populations for signs of pollution exposure, harmful algal blooms, food supply disruptions and other human-caused impacts.
Celebrate at Summer Sips and Sea Lions:
- July 11 from 6-9 p.m.
Be among the first to meet the new resident sea lions and enjoy sunset views and full aquarium admission after hours! The event also includes sea lion talks led by the animal care team throughout the evening, offering an inside look at the care that goes into welcoming these new residents. Tickets: Adults: $45 (CMA members: $20) | Children (3-11): $35 (CMA members: $15) | Children 2 and under are free.
Wings & Wildlife
Located on Level 1 near the Window of Wonder Dolphin Habitat
This brand-new habitat is where you’ll find a variety of tropical birds and tortoises that CMA welcomed in after the closure of Miami Seaquarium –exciting new guests for CMA as it expands its resident family beyond marine life! Additional species are expected to join the habitat in the coming months.
Get to know CMA’s new feathered friends:
- 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.
Animal Connections Village
Located on Level 2, the original part of CMA
CMA used Key West Village as its inspiration to build colorful pastel houses with gingerbread trim to create the new habitats for two new sugar gliders, a chinchilla, and Benjamin or Benji, the opossum. Stop by and say hi to them and learn more about their rescue stories
Benji was welcomed in September 2024 from the Nature World Wildlife rescue in Homosassa Springs after he was attacked by a dog when he was one month old. Due to his injuries, he cannot be returned to the wild, so he’s made his home here at CMA!
CMA Starring In Another Movie
Love is in the air at Clearwater Marine Aquarium! The holiday romance movie “Christmas in Clearwater” recently wrapped up filming at CMA, and we got a behind-the-scenes peek!
Hollywood veterans Hope and Nicholas, the dolphins, shot a few scenes with the actors, and some of the other animals that call CMA home are making their screen debuts, including two of the three harbor seals, Pharaoh and Ocean (or Cocoa and Marshmallow in the movie!)
The plot is everything you’d expect from a Christmas romance movie, but with a local twist that centers on CMA’s mission of rescue, rehab and release. The production company, Country Mile Entertainment, tells us it will be a family-friendly film.
And, you won’t have to wait too long to see it … it might be available to watch on a major streaming platform as soon as this holiday season.
*Originally published in the July 2026 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.