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ADOPT HOPE

by Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Your donation towards a symbolic adoption helps to provide care for Hope for one year.  The standard donation is one-time donation at time of purchase.  A recurring donation option is available but not required.

If you are adopting as a gift, please enter the recipient information in the donation message field. 

Please make certain to select a reward level under the "Donation Details" screen.  In order to receive the adoption items a reward level must be selected.

On December 11, 2010, Hubbs Sea World Research Institute received a call that a dolphin calf had been found in Indian River Lagoon on the East Coast of Florida. A local fisherman spotted her in the shallow waters, attempting to nurse from her deceased mother. When first responders arrived, they evaluated the dolphin calf and in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service, determined she should be transported to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for rehabilitation.

During her rehabilitation process, Embassy Blue Institute and Ocean Embassy were consulted to assist with Hope's initial care and formula. As a nursing calf at the time of her rescue, she did not possess any teeth. Bottlenose dolphins nurse until they are 18-20 months old. Her formula consisted of blended herring, powdered milk substitute, vitamins, oils and water. In the beginning, Hope was given 24-hour care and fed every two hours.

Although it is our goal to return every animal to their natural habitat, Hope did not make a good candidate for release because she was very young and had not yet learned the necessary skills to survive in the wild.

For more information, please contact Randi Baillie at [email protected].