The administrator of Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is still upset by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helen, and the 28 -time full -time “temporary Farlow” and 28 part -time employees. Cost reduction measures have been started. 。
Leadership of facilities, including CEO Joe Handy, uses salary reductions.
“This is a spring break and summer, so I think this will help us greatly,” said Handy. “My expectation is that things bounce back.”
He said, it was a simple decision. “This is not what leaders want to do well. No one will enjoy it because they do this, but I hope this is a short -term effect.”
CMA, which treats injured marine mammals and reptiles, depends on tourism, donors, sponsorship, and awards.
“We have spent some trials in this country,” Handy quoted inflation and high interest rates. “And I don’t think it has a low attendance rate to many attractions nationwide.”
In the clear water, he emphasized that “Hurricane was not helpful.” He called this situation the “unfortunate junction.” CMA pursues financial support from FEMA and SME managers.
The unexpected death in November 2021, a star attraction of the facility, caused a serious decrease in attendees. Bottle Northluka loses tail complements as a baby and was normally attached in the prosthesis tail for the entanglement with the Kanito wrap rope.
The 2011 movie Dolphin Tale, which was shot at the CMA location, was a global success. Inspired by the story of resilience, the fans flocked in clear water and visited the winter. At the peak of Wintermania, more than 800,000 people passed the turn style every year.
Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) said another painful dolphin rehabilitation in CMA. In addition, it is considered unreleased, and since 2010, hope has lived in CMA.
In 2020, the CMA debuted a $ 80 million extension, including a new 1.5 million gallon water dolphin.
“The movie really emphasized our daily work and care,” Handy said. “So people wanted to be exposed to it. People wanted to see it, and winter was a star.”
Winter loss was a catastrophic blow to the aquarium. A non -profit organization, which ended on September 30, 2023, reported a $ 26,306,149 costs of $ 26,322,978 for a net loss of nearly $ 5 million.
At the same time, 3.5 million dollar funds were allocated to the construction of the Many Tirihabilitation facility. It was completed in July last year.
CMA is a member of the state -of -the -art manatyehabilitation partnership and is a consortium approved by organizations and organizations that are affiliated with rescue, rehabilitation, release, and monitoring efforts.
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The Manati Center immediately welcomed Zamboni and Yeti, two low -weight boy animals rehabilitated by Zotampa.
They were returned to a liberated weight and were to be studied before releasing the wild. The goal was to become a critical care facility approved by CMA within two years.
In September, Hurricane Helen sent a 4 -foot water to a CMA building. James “Baddy” Powell said that the facility was suffering from “catastrophic damage” and destroyed most of the facilities’ life support systems.
The filtered 80,000 Gallon many tank survived, but many of the immediate observation areas have survived. With a wealth of precautions, Zamboni and Yeti were transported by trucks to Zatampa.
Many of the rehabilitated sea turtles have been temporarily transferred to the Vocalaton facilities.
Resident CMA Dolphin was not threatened in Helen or two weeks later by Milton’s strong wind.
The entire CMA facility was closed for more than three weeks due to repairs.
“RISING TIDES”, which started last February, is a $ 32 million long -term facility activation project.
Handy has found silver lining in the current financial cloud. “In fact, it gives you the opportunity to restart a comprehensive campaign,” he said. “We were seeking donations for the” rising tide, “but then we fell into a hurricane situation. “
When fully provided, the facility revitalization project has an educational section that conveys the story of florida animals and other animals of the indigenous tribe and other animals in the construction of seaweed habitat, the main strength of the sea lions, the main strengthening of the hospital area. Included. “By restarting the campaign, you can provide funds to the initiative that will be implemented over the next six years,” said Handy.
Unfair changes are dedication to the core mission of CMA. It is not an entertainment park where marine mammals jump over the commander’s hoop.
“We are focusing on rehabilitation, research, and rescue,” he said and educated guests on the ecology and conservation of marine animals. “And that’s unwavering for us.”
