Apollo is CMA’s youngest resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. He was found stranded in Playalinda, Florida and was brought to CMA in 2021.
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About Apollo
Apollo

- Age
- 3
- Sex
- Male
- Diet
- Herring, capelin, silversides
- Rescue Date
- 05/15/2021
- Origin
- Playalinda, Florida
- Arrival Date
- 12/14/2021
In May 2021, Apollo, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin stranded off of Playalinda, Florida. At the time of his rescue, he was thin and had parasites on his dorsal fin, pectoral fins, and fluke. He was transported to SeaWorld for rehabilitation. Upon intake, initial diagnostics revealed that Apollo also had stomach and lung inflammation. After months of intensive treatment, his health improved. However, during a hearing test administered by the National Marine Mammal Foundation, it was discovered that Apollo suffered from hearing loss, compromising his ability to echolocate. National Marine Fisheries (NMF) determined he was not a candidate for release and selected Clearwater Marine Aquarium as his forever home.
More about Apollo
Joining the CMA Pod

Apollo was first introduced to PJ and then Hope. Integration to the female group was of mutual benefit for all animals and enhanced the social dynamics. As an older, maternal female, PJ benefited from the opportunity to nurture a young animal and Apollo benefited from this type of interaction and the natural social structure it provided. His naturally energetic, 2-year-old nature combined with the temperaments of PJ and Hope likely resulted in more social engagement involving play, exercise, and exploration. Once Apollo matures, he will likely join Nicholas and Hemingway’s social structure.