Clearwater Marine Aquarium will present its Shark Week lineup for the week of July 7-14 and it’s got quite a bite to it. CMA will introduce guests to one of its new veterinarians, Dr. Chelsea Anderson, who has a decade of experience in elasmobranch (shark and rays) health care, and will help educate guests about the medical management of sharks during a routine ultrasound and why conservation of sharks is important.

The week will also include shark mascot appearances, as well as chances to win prizes. There will be many games and activities for different age groups, shark chats throughout the day, shark bingo games, create your own ocean slime table, and shark crafts in the Kids Zone.

There are also two shark experiences guests can sign up for:

Limited-Time Program for Shark & Ray Awareness Week at CMA July 9-14
Join us for an exclusive, hands-on experience with our aquatic biologists during Shark & Ray Awareness Week at CMA. This limited-time experience is open to shark enthusiasts aged 10 and up, with a max of two participants per session, July 9-14, on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Spend 15-20 minutes learning about the diet of sharks, observing and participating in a target training session with two epaulette sharks and a yellow ray. Don’t miss this chance to dive into the world of sharks and discover their fascinating behaviors up close.

Shark Care Experience at CMA July 9-14
Come meet Thelma, CMA’s resident nurse shark in the lower mangrove habitat. During this program, guests can assist CMA’s animal care specialists in guiding and feeding our shark. Guests will learn how CMA improves the health and well-being, and gain a greater understanding of these misunderstood creatures. Approximate duration 30 minutes; minimum age is 7 years old. Includes a professional souvenir photo of your experience.   

To learn more about our shark programs, please visit www.cmaquarium.org/event/shark-ray-awareness-week-at-cma/.