Theater of the Sea is home to many animals who have been rescued, rehabilitated, and deemed non-releasable by state or federal government agencies for a variety of reasons. Some of these animals were rescued by Theater of the Sea. Others were rescued by organizations like the Turtle Hospital, Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and the Marine Mammal Care Center, then Theater of the Sea was chosen as a permanent home for them.

Once selected, Theater of the Sea assumes all costs for the animal’s care including multiple site visits by animal care specialists and veterinarians, health assessments and diagnostics, permitting, quarantine, and meticulously planned transports using chartered vehicles and aircraft. These animals often require specialized long-term care and treatment, all of which is funded through patronage alone.

CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS

Name: Bella
Species: California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)
Rescue Date: 2008
Rescue Organization: Marine Mammal Care Center at San Pedro
Condition: neurological condition affecting her cerebellum
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2009

Name: Monica
Species: California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)
Rescue Date: 2015
Rescue Organization: Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort McArthur
Condition: re-stranded multiple times
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2016

Name: Malibu
Species: California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)
Rescue Date: 2015
Rescue Organization: Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort McArthur
Condition: imprinted on humans
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2016

SEA TURTLES

Name: Aphrodite
Species: green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Rescue Date: 1991
Rescue Organization: Theater of the Sea
Condition: Two flippers entangled in line/wire (right front and left rear) that had to be amputated
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 1991

Name: Christmas
Species: hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmocheyls imbricata)
Rescue Date: 2006
Rescue Organization: Turtle Hospital
Condition: A boat strike caused a buoyancy disorder preventing normal surfacing, diving, and hunting. Weights are attached to her shell to compensate.
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2007

Name: Jahna
Species: green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Rescue Date: 2003
Rescue Organization: Turtle Hospital
Condition: Dogs attacked while nesting and her eyes had to be removed due to damage.
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2004

Name: Henry
Species: green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Rescue Date: 1994
Rescue Organization: Marineland
Condition: Found weak, emaciated, and with visual deficits.
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 1999

Name: Quasi
Species: green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Rescue Date: 1986
Rescue Organization: Mariner’s Aid to Sea Turtles
Condition: Born with a shell defect and buoyancy disorder preventing normal surfacing, diving, and hunting.. She wears a life vest to compensate.
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 1986

CROCODILIANS

Theater of the Sea houses 3 rescued crocodilians. As with all of our animals, we utilize training and enrichment with our crocodilians, which:

  • shows our guests the true nature of these amazing creatures.
  • gives a deeper understanding into their personality.
  • helps dispel the negative view the public has about reptiles.
  • reduces aggression.
  • makes habitat upkeep easier.
  • creates positive relationships between the animals and care givers.
  • facilitates better husbandry practices.
  • provides physical and mental stimulation.

Name: Piper
Species: American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Rescue Date: 2008
Rescue Organization: Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald of Animal Planet
Condition: confiscated from an unsuitable home in Colorado
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2008

Name: Alley
Species: American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Rescue Date: 1995
Rescue Organization: Theater of the Sea
Condition: surrendered by a t-shirt shop who could no longer care for her
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 1995

Name: Igor
Species: American/Cuban crocodile hybrid (Crocodylus acutus/rhombifer)
Rescue Date: 2001
Rescue Organization: Miami MetroZoo
Condition: struck by boat propeller, could not be released due to hybrid status
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2008

IGUANAS

Iguanas are very popular in the pet trade. Unfortunately, this is their downfall. They are often not cared for properly and will either die within a year, long before their normal lifespan of 20 years, be taken to reptile rescue groups, or be released into the wild. This is how they found their way into the Florida Keys. They are an invasive species in Florida which means their numbers have increased rapidly and they are detrimental to the growth of indigenous plants and displace native animals.

Name: Zilla
Species: green iguana (Iguana iguana)
Rescue Date: 2010
Rescue Organization: Theater of the Sea
Condition: found emaciated with eyes missing
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2010

PARROTS

Parrots are intelligent, social, and long-lived animals. Most species live for over 30 years. While such amazing animals may seem like they would make great pets, many people who purchase parrots for pets quickly find that they are unable to give them all that they need. Parrots require lots of space, mental stimulation, social time, veterinary care, and are very loud and messy! Without proper care they can develop behavioral and medical problems quickly. In addition, their long lifespan means that they sometimes outlive their owners and have to then find new homes. Theater of the Sea has provided homes to many parrots surrendered by owners who could not or did not want to care for them any longer.

Name: Maya
Species: blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna)
Rescue Date: 2017
Rescue Organization: U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Condition: confiscated at US/Mexican border being illegally smuggled into the US
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2017

Name: Ziggy
Species: scarlet macaw (Ara macao)
Rescue Date: 2005
Rescue Organization: Monroe County
Condition: confiscated from owner after found in a backyard with no food or water
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2005

Name: Admiral
Species: military macaw (Aras militaris)
Rescue Date: 2010
Rescue Organization: Theater of the Sea
Condition: surrendered by owner
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2010

Name: Indigo
Species: hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)
Rescue Date: 2006
Rescue Organization: Theater of the Sea
Condition: surrendered by owner
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2006

Name: Makia
Species: hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)
Rescue Date: 2010
Rescue Organization: Theater of the Sea
Condition: surrendered by owner
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2010

Name: Beanie
Species: yellow-collard macaw (Primolius auricollis)
Rescue Date: 2004
Rescue Organization: Theater of the Sea
Condition: surrendered by owner
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2004

Name: Birdie
Species: salmon-crested cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)
Rescue Date: 2003
Rescue Organization: Theater of the Sea
Condition: surrendered by owner
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2003

Name: Phoenix
Species: white cockatoo (Cacatua alba)
Rescue Date: 2004
Rescue Organization: Theater of the Sea
Condition: surrendered by owner
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2004

Name: Sweet Pea
Species: white cockatoo (Cacatua alba)
Rescue Date: 2003
Rescue Organization: Theater of the Sea
Condition: surrendered by owner after she had plucked all her own feathers out
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2003

Name: Mango
Species: African gray parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
Rescue Date: 2021
Rescue Organization: Theater of the Sea
Condition: surrendered by owner
Arrived at Theater of the Sea: 2021