Dolphin Tale Pelicans to Call Aquarium Home

There is no doubt that moviegoers fell in love with the true star of Dolphin Tale, Rufus.

Now guests will have the opportunity to meet the actual birds who played the role. Ricky and Lucy are African Great White Pelicans that will be calling the aquarium home. The birds are seven years old and can live well into their 60s. 

They were trained in California before they came to Clearwater to shoot for the blockbuster hit Dolphin Tale. This was not their first experience working in front of a camera as they were also used for the movie Zohan starring Adam Sandler. 

Now, these birds will help us bring awareness to other wildlife along our coastal waters as they interact with their trainers at the aquarium and also at .

If you go:

What: Rufus Welcoming Ceremony

When: 10:30 a.m. Friday (June 15)

Where: , 249 Windward Passage