From graceful glides through the lagoon to gentle curiosity beneath the surface, Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center recently welcomed two remarkable new residents who embody the heart of its mission: inspiring environmental stewardship through education, research, and advocacy.
Located on Hutchinson Island, Florida Oceanographic has long been a place where visitors of all ages can connect with Florida’s coastal ecosystems in meaningful, memorable ways. Now, with the arrival of Sandy the stingray and Cleo the sea turtle, there are even more reasons to slow down, look closer, and fall in love with the marine life that calls our waters home.
Meet Sandy the Stingray: Big, Beautiful, and Resilient
Say hello to Sandy, a female southern stingray who recently joined the Florida Oceanographic family thanks to a generous donation from the Marine Exploration Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. Sandy is hard to miss (and not just because of her size).
Currently measuring nearly 40 inches across and weighing approximately 83 pounds, Sandy is still growing. Southern stingrays can reach up to 79 inches wide and weigh more than 200 pounds as adults! At around 14 years old, Sandy has many years ahead of her to serve as a powerful conservation ambassador.
Visitors may notice that Sandy has a uniquely crooked tail, likely the result of a healed injury or a condition she was born with. Either way, she is happy and healthy, eating well (about six pounds of food per week), and already settling comfortably into her new surroundings.
Sandy is currently training with Florida Oceanographic’s stingray target system — an important part of her care that supports both animal wellness and education. Once fully acclimated, she’ll join the other southern stingrays in the 750,000-gallon Gamefish Lagoon, where guests can watch her glide effortlessly through the water.
More than just impressive to see, Sandy helps tell an important story about resilience, adaptation, and the importance of protecting Florida’s marine habitats.
Welcome Cleo the Sea Turtle: A Living Legacy of Conservation
Joining Sandy is another extraordinary new resident: Cleo, an adult female green sea turtle with a lifetime of experience inspiring ocean conservation.
Believed to have been under human care prior to the Endangered Species Act, Cleo has spent decades educating the public about her species and the challenges sea turtles face in the wild. Her arrival at Florida Oceanographic marks an exciting new chapter — one that continues her role as a living ambassador for marine conservation.
Known for her gentle and curious personality, Cleo enjoys floating enrichment activities, exploring her habitat, and keeping a close watch on everything happening around her. Guests often find her calm presence both captivating and inspiring.
Green sea turtles are a vital part of healthy marine ecosystems, and meeting Cleo offers visitors a rare opportunity to learn about their life cycles, conservation success stories, and the ongoing efforts needed to protect them for future generations.
Why These Animals Matter
At Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, every animal has an important purpose. Sandy and Cleo play an essential role in advancing the organization’s mission to:
- Educate visitors about Florida’s coastal and marine ecosystems
- Promote responsible environmental stewardship
- Support research and conservation initiatives
- Inspire advocacy for the protection of wildlife and natural resources
By meeting animal ambassadors up close, visitors gain a deeper understanding of how individual actions — from reducing plastic use to respecting wildlife habitats — can make a real difference.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re exploring Martin County, looking for family-friendly things to do in Martin County, or simply craving a deeper connection to the natural beauty of our destination, a visit to the Coastal Center is always time well spent.
Come meet Sandy, say hello to Cleo, and experience the stories, science, and stewardship that make this place so special. Your visit directly supports education, conservation, and the care of animals like these, all while helping protect Florida’s delicate coastal ecosystems for generations to come.
Plan your visit today and see what’s new the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center!