Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
We are excited to share another update regarding our dolphin social groupings. Since integrating Star and Squirt with Hope and Izzy, their introduction has been moving along smoothly!
Yesterday, January 27, we introduced Doris and Kitana, two of the rough-toothed dolphins, to the bottlenose dolphin social group with Star, Izzy, Hope, and Squirt. This grouping aligns with our fission–fusion dolphin socialization approach, which has been a long-term goal of the animal care team at CMA. This approach allows dolphins to form and shift social relationships naturally while providing choice, flexibility, and appropriate social opportunities.
We will continue to closely monitor interactions, behavior, and overall wellbeing, and will make adjustments as needed based on individual dynamics and animal welfare considerations. Soon, we hope to introduce all of our resident dolphins together. Come and visit the dolphins as they continue to explore and build new relationships at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!
Donate and support CMA at HelpCMA.org!
© 2025 Clearwater Marine Aquarium
We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
facebook.com/ClearwaterMarineAquarium
instagram.com/cmaquarium
twitter.com/CMAquarium
tiktok.com/@cmaquarium
cmaquarium.org
We are excited to share another update regarding our dolphin social groupings. Since integrating Star and Squirt with Hope and Izzy, their introduction has been moving along smoothly!
Yesterday, January 27, we introduced Doris and Kitana, two of the rough-toothed dolphins, to the bottlenose dolphin social group with Star, Izzy, Hope, and Squirt. This grouping aligns with our fission–fusion dolphin socialization approach, which has been a long-term goal of the animal care team at CMA. This approach allows dolphins to form and shift social relationships naturally while providing choice, flexibility, and appropriate social opportunities.
We will continue to closely monitor interactions, behavior, and overall wellbeing, and will make adjustments as needed based on individual dynamics and animal welfare considerations. Soon, we hope to introduce all of our resident dolphins together. Come and visit the dolphins as they continue to explore and build new relationships at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!
Donate and support CMA at HelpCMA.org!
© 2025 Clearwater Marine Aquarium
We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
facebook.com/ClearwaterMarineAquarium
instagram.com/cmaquarium
twitter.com/CMAquarium
tiktok.com/@cmaquarium
cmaquarium.org
