Pets/Wildlife

TAMPA – The Florida Aquarium celebrated Valentine’s Day with specially crafted enrichment activities. 

From festive treats to engaging toys, these additions provided mental and physical stimulation for the animals while creating a unique experience for guests to enjoy.

North American river otters Huron, Kraken and Brandon received ice treats, providing an opportunity to forage for their food in a different way. Valentine’s-themed hula hoops encouraged activity.

Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths Liana and Apaporis were introduced to strawberries.

Guests can learn more about upcoming events and plan their visit at flaquarium.org.

 

Kola, a delightful 7-year-old dog who is ready to find her forever family! This bubbly and social girl loves to play with her puppy friends in shelter playgroups and has a knack for making everyone smile. Kola isn’t just a star within the shelter; she shines outside too! She has had positive interactions with other dogs, enjoys car rides, and has proven to be a fabulous canine house guest. With her friendly and adaptable nature, Kola is sure to be a wonderful addition to any home. Kola is reported to be house-trained, making the transition to a new home even smoother. Whether you’re looking for a playful companion or a loving friend, Kola is the perfect match. Make an appointment to meet her at Pasco County Animal Services today!

If you would like to adopt Kola, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. Email for more information.

Meet Roxie, a 5-year-old spayed female German Shepherd mix with a heart full of love! This sweet and social girl has been at the shelter since December 2024, and she’s ready to find her forever home. Roxy loves her people and enjoys greeting new friends with a wagging tail. She walks beautifully on a leash and prefers calm, laid-back dogs who want to coexist peacefully, rather than high-energy pups. If you’re looking for a friendly and easygoing companion, Roxy might just be the perfect fit for you – come meet her today at Pasco County Animal Services!

 

If you would like to adopt Roxie, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. Email for more information.

Meet Winter, a sweet 10-year-old gray and white spayed female who’s ready to find her forever home. She was recently rescued and is now on the lookout for a loving family. Winter is independent and prefers not to be picked up, but she enjoys being petted and will happily take treats and puree. Her gentle nature makes her a wonderful companion for someone seeking a calm, low-maintenance pet. Winter is ready to bring warmth and affection into your home. Winter will be a wonderful addition to any household. See her at Pasco County Animal Services today!

If you would like to adopt Winter, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. Email for more information.

APOLLO BEACH – Facing Atlantic Ocean temperatures plummeting into the 50s, waves of green sea turtles were rescued from the frigid waters off Florida’s east coast near St. Augustine. 

The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach took in six cold-stunned turtles on Jan. 23 and another dozen on Jan. 24.

These arrivals bring the total to 29 sea turtles under critical care at the center. 

To help meet the growing need for resources, the aquarium called on the community for urgent support through donations.

“For more than a decade, we have successfully rescued and rehabilitated critical care sea turtles who would not have survived without our assistance,” said Dr. Debborah Luke, The Florida Aquarium’s senior vice president of conservation. “These patients receive the same level of compassionate care as beloved pets in emergency veterinary clinics but typically require months of treatment before they can be returned to their natural environment. However, the costs quickly add up during crises like this, with treatment for each turtle averaging $15,000.”

The public can see the lifesaving work in action at The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, which is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., November through April.

Brenna Hicks encountered two duck families together on East Lake – a family of Muscovy ducks and a mating pair of Mallards. Photo courtesy of Brenna Hicks

Delilah is a sweet, 4-year-old girl with a soft black coat and a charming white chest. Though she’s a bit shy at first, her gentle and low-key nature makes her a perfect match for a quiet home. Delilah loves going for peaceful walks and enjoys the company of other mellow pups. She’s looking for a loving family who will appreciate her calm demeanor and give her the time she needs to blossom. If you’re ready to welcome a serene, loyal companion into your life, ask to meet Delilah at Pasco County Animal Services today!

 

If you would like to adopt Delilah, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. Email for more information.