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Experience • Rescued Animals • Dolphins

Nicholas the Dolphin

Updated February 12, 2023 Posted April 8, 2020

Nicholas the dolphin has been with Clearwater Marine Aquarium since he was only six months old! He got his name after being found on Christmas Eve in 2002. Today, Nicholas is one of the most playful and energetic residents you’ll find at CMA!

Where to See

  • Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex

Meet Nicholas

Nicholas

Atlantic bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus)
Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex
Nicholas the dolphin
Age
20
Sex
Male
Diet
Herring, capelin, mullet
Rescue Date
12/24/2002
Origin
Gibsonton, FL

On December 24, 2002, a male Atlantic bottlenose dolphin calf and his mother stranded near Gibsonton, Florida and were transported to the Florida Aquarium and then relocated to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for long-term medical care. In honor of their Christmas Eve arrival, we named the female dolphin Noelle and her calf, Nicholas. The 380-pound adult female, Noelle, had sustained third-degree burns around her dorsal fin and was believed to have a respiratory illness. Unfortunately, she passed away on December 27, 2002. Nicholas survived and received medical treatment for his burns. He eventually fully recovered but because he did not have his mother to teach him how to survive in the wild, he became a permanent resident at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where he lives today. 

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Nicholas Videos

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More about Nicholas

Saving Nicholas

nicholas the dolphin

The 120-pound orphaned calf, Nicholas, lost 30 lbs. on arrival and was also suffering from second and third degree sunburns across 36% of his body. Nicholas was provided 24-hour care for several months to provide nutrition, antibiotics and wound care. Nicholas was estimated to be six months old and due to the fact that he was not fully weaned, a specific formula was produced to imitate his mother’s milk until he could be weaned onto whole fish. With the help of constant wound care management, Nicholas’ burns healed within nine months and care specialists were able to successfully teach Nicholas to present voluntary body examination layouts, blood draws and stretcher work.

Nick’s Home at CMA

Nicholas did not make a suitable candidate for release because of his dependent status at the time of his stranding and rehabilitation. He lacks the necessary survival skills, such as hunting and the skills to protect himself from predators, all of which he can only learn from his mother. Atlantic bottlenose dolphin calves associate with their mothers for several years and during that time they will learn all the necessary life skills needed to survive in the wild.

Nick’s Picks

Nicholas has demonstrated an uncanny ability to predict the winner of multiple sporting events, including the Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, World Series, NBA Finals and NCAA National Championships.

YearEventNick’s Pickvs.Winner
2023Super BowlKansas City ChiefsPhiladelphia EaglesKansas City Chiefs
2022World CupFranceArgentinaArgentina
2022World SeriesHouston AstrosPhiladelphia PhilliesHouston Astros
2022Super BowlCincinnati BengalsLA RamsLA Rams
2022College Football Playoff National ChampionshipAlabamaGeorgiaGeorgia
2021World SeriesAtlanta BravesHouston AstrosAtlanta Braves
2021Super BowlKansas City ChiefsTampa Bay BuccaneersTampa Bay Buccaneers
2021College Football National ChampionshipAlabamaOhio StateAlabama
2021Outback BowlMississippiIndianaMississippi
2021Sugar BowlOhio StateClemsonOhio State
2021Rose BowlAlabamaNotre DameAlabama
2020NBA FinalsLA LakersMiami HeatLA Lakers
2020Super BowlKansas City ChiefsSan Francisco 49ersKansas City Chiefs
2020College Football National ChampionshipClemsonLSULSU
2019World SeriesWashington NationalsHouston AstrosWashington Nationals
2019Super BowlLA RamsNew England PatriotsNew England Patriots
2019College Football National ChampionshipAlabamaClemsonClemson
2018Outback BowlMississippi StateIowaIowa
2018World SeriesLA DodgersBoston Red SoxBoston Red Sox
2018World CupFranceCroatiaFrance
2018Super BowlNew England PatriotsPhiladelphia EaglesPhiladelphia Eagles
2018College Football National ChampionshipAlabamaGeorgiaAlabama
2017World SeriesHouston AstrosLA DodgersHouston Astros
2017NBA FinalsCleveland CavaliersGolden State WarriorsGolden State Warriors
2017Stanley CupPittsburgh PenguinsNashville PredatorsPittsburgh Penguins
2017NCAA Basketball ChampionshipNorth CarolinaGonzagaNorth Carolina
2017Super BowlNew England PatriotsAtlanta FalconsNew England Patriots
2017College Football National ChampionshipClemsonAlabamaClemson

Did You Know…

Nicholas got his name when he was found on Christmas Eve!
Nicholas was covered in severe sunburns on nearly 40% of his body when he was rescued.
Today, Nicholas loves figuring out problems during training sessions, and is known for doing a flip or two when he gets an answer right.
Nicholas has demonstrated the ability to predict the winner of multiple sporting events!
Nicholas was not a suitable candidate for release because of his young age at the time of rescue and rehabilitation.

Nick’s Neighbors

  • Apollo
    Apollo
  • Hope
    Hope

Hang with Nicholas

bottlenose dolphin experience

VIP Bottlenose Dolphin Experience

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Nick dolphin action moment

Action Photo Moment With Bottlenose Dolphins

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Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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