I visited CMA today to enjoy the improved facilities. This was, I'm somewhat ashamed to say, my first visit to CMA, even though I've been to Clearwater Beach many, many times over the last 7 or 8 years.

My first impression was that this organization is clearly focused on its mission, which is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick and injured marine mammals—principally sea turtles, bottle-nosed dolphins, and river otters. It is a modest facility and accomplishes something truly amazing—it operates a successful marine mammal rescue effort and brings the community right into the action. While you are here you will see marine mammals being cared for and rehabilitated by the many volunteers and expert staff at the same time you are learning all about the marine life of the area.

You won't feel like a tourist at the CMA, you'll feel like a welcomed guest. And your kids will be absolutely thrilled. Really!

A major addition to the aquarium is the underwater viewing area in the dolphin exhibit which allows you to have a face-to-face underwater view of the dolphins as they swim around. I was really interested in seeing the stingray exhibit, but it was still under renovation and there were no stingrays in it. I'm looking forward to returning to see the stingrays soon.

The biggest attraction has to be the dolphins and their stories. It's hard to imagine a more lovable animal than a dolphin, and the wonderful volunteers and staff at the CMA are naturals at helping you love the dolphins as much as they do. Even though they must tell each new group of visitors the personal story of each dolphin a dozen or more times each week, when they tell you, they talk with the same enthusiasm and dedication as if you were the first person they've told. The story of Winter, the dolphin without a tail, is especially moving and inspiring.

All of the dolphins, sea turtles, and otters at the CMA are here because they were sick or injured and unable to function in the wild. Someone saw the animal in need and called for help. None of the animals are kept just for display or to perform tricks. The ones that can be released back into the wild are returned to nature as soon as possible. In fact, while I was there this morning, a very large loggerhead turtle was being prepared for release on Clearwater Beach. Two hours later, I heard that the release was very successful and the turtle was seen swimming happily out into the Gulf.

I signed up for their “behind the scenes” tour so I could learn more about the CMA. A very dedicated volunteer, Jenna, took us on a tour of the facilities and told us all about what goes on behind the scenes. After our little tour group enjoyed an introduction to the dolphins from our VIP seats by the dolphin pool, Jenna started us out with a tour of the kitchen, where the volunteers prepare custom meals for each animal, according to instructions from the scientists and veterinarians. Then we took a tour of the facilities and learned more details about some of the animals that have been brought in, treated, and released over the years.

There is much more to the CMA than just seeing the animals. You can get involved. They offer summer programs for kids, internships for students, educational activities, volunteer opportunities, and much more.

If you want to know more, check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium website, and then stop by for a visit. It is conveniently located north of the causeway between downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach.

(In case you were wondering, they do not have manatees at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Manatees require more space, so any injured manatees are transported to Sarasota's Mote Marine Laboratory to be cared for.)