Clearwater Marine Aquarium to release 2nd Seahorse

Home of Winter the Dolphin in action again

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Jun 08, 2017, 20:37 ET

CLEARWATER, Fla., June 8, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Less than two weeks after the globally watched rehabilitation and release of Cheeto the lucky seahorse by Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), home of the successful Dolphin Tale movies, another seahorse is making the headlines. Funyun, the latest lucky seahorse, was rescued near the same beautiful Florida beach as Cheeto. Cheeto was found by a young girl who thought a bird had dropped a Cheeto from its mouth, when in fact, it was an orange seahorse, aptly named "Cheeto." Cheeto developed a worldwide following and was successfully released back into the wild on Tuesday, May 16.

Funyun the seahorse b-roll – Please credit Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Funyun the seahorse at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

In Funyun's case, she was found by a couple on an early morning walk thinking they had found a unique sea shell, only to find it was a tiny seahorse struggling to survive. The two tried to place the seahorse back in the water, but it helplessly floated on the surface. Having researched Cheeto, they knew to call nearby Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Funyun arrived at CMA in serious condition, suffering from a buoyancy issue, struggling to swim and clinging to a branch to stop from floating to the surface. The CMA team went to work utilizing the latest in animal care technology, including x-rays and techniques to correct her buoyancy issue, putting Funyun on the path to health.

"Incredibly, Cheeto's story of survival inspired the survival of another seahorse, Funyun. The level of care provided by the CMA team for Funyun, due to her serious condition, is inspiring," says David Yates, CEO, Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Funyun is on her way to full recovery and will be released back into the wild on Monday, June 12^th in Clearwater, Florida, close to the location Cheeto was released. Funyun can be seen at Clearwater Marine Aquarium or check her out on the Funyun Cam: https://www.seewinter.com/funyuncam

Video of Funyun accompanies this press release.

About Clearwater Marine Aquarium:
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release, research and conservation.

249 Windward Passage | Clearwater, FL 33767 | 727.441.1790 |
SeeWinter.com
A Florida non-profit 501(c)(3)

SOURCE Clearwater Marine Aquarium