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Nestled in the heart of Tampa, Florida, ZooTampa at Lowry Park offers a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with wildlife from around the globe. With over 1,100 animals representing regions from Africa, Asia, Australia, and local Florida wildlife, the zoo is a haven for animal lovers and conservation enthusiasts alike. Engaging with nature has never been more exciting, as ZooTampa hosts a variety of events and programs that provide an enriching experience for all ages.
ZooTampa isn’t just a place to observe animals; it emphasizes conservation and education, contributing to the survival of species and habitats.
Visitors can immerse themselves in educational programs that inspire and inform, fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world.
The zoo also offers comprehensive amenities and accessibility options, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Membership opportunities, ticketing options, and seasonal events give you more chances to enjoy the zoo, making each visit memorable.
Discovering ZooTampa
Immerse yourself in a world of wildlife at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, where you’re greeted with a diverse range of animals and habitats from across the globe. From the lush Florida ecosystems to exotic regions such as Africa, Asia, and Australia, every visit promises a unique adventure.
Wildlife and Habitats
ZooTampa isn’t just a chance to see animals; it’s an opportunity to learn about and engage with various wildlife. You will encounter Florida wildlife including panthers, manatees, and a colorful assortment of birds, all thriving in an environment that feels like home to them. These local species offer a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the state and the conservation efforts essential to their survival and well-being.
Exotic Regions Explored
Beyond the local fauna, ZooTampa offers you a window into more distant lands:
- Africa: Traverse the savannas and meet majestic African elephants, powerful rhinos, and giraffes.
- Asia: Venture through dense jungles and bamboo forests to witness tigers, orangutans, and leaping lemurs.
- Australia: Get up-close with some of the most unique creatures down under, such as koalas and wallabies.
- Florida: See the wildlife local to Florida
Each region is carefully designed to reflect the natural landscapes of these continents, making your experience not just informative but also deeply immersive. Embrace the adventure as you explore, encounter, and learn through firsthand experiences with the remarkable animals of ZooTampa.
Conservation Efforts
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is distinguished by its dedicated initiatives that support the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of Florida wildlife. Through focused conservation programs, your understanding of the efforts to preserve threatened species, such as Florida manatees and the Florida panther, will deepen.
Manatee Critical Care
At the heart of ZooTampa’s conservation work is the Manatee Critical Care Center, one of only a few facilities in the United States specializing in the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured manatees. Here, qualified professionals provide the intensive care necessary for recovery, with the ultimate goal of releasing these gentle giants back into Florida waters.
Species Rehabilitation
Beyond manatees, the zoo takes an active role in the rescue and rehabilitation of a range of threatened and endangered species. For example, the Florida panther and clouded leopard are among the beneficiaries of these conservation efforts. Orphaned and injured wildlife receive meticulous care at the facility, ensuring they have the best chance at a successful return to their natural habitats.
Visitor Experiences
When you visit ZooTampa at Lowry Park, you can expect a range of engaging and interactive experiences. From up-close animal encounters to the thrill of rides, there’s something to captivate visitors of all ages.
Animal Up-Close Encounters
At ZooTampa, the Manatee Cove offers a unique opportunity to observe Florida’s gentle giants through underwater viewing areas. Here, you can learn from the onsite Manatee Rescue Team about their efforts to rehabilitate these endangered creatures. Additionally, you can come up-close and personal with some of their animals. Here are the price ranges for these special encounters:
Giraffe Encounter – $24.95 – $29.95
Stingray Encounter – $54.95 – $59.95
Indian Rhino Feeding – $24.95 – $29.95
White Rhino Encounter – $24.95 – $29.95
Giant Tortoise Encounter – $19.95 – $24.95
African Penguin Backstage – $24.95 – $29.95
Clouded Leopard Encounter – $24.95 – $29.95
Koala Behind the Scenes Tour – $29.95 – $34.95
African Elephant Behind the Scenes Tour – $24.95 – $29.95
Manatee Critical Care Center Behind the Scenes Tour – $19.95 – $24.95
You can find more information here.
Rides and Attractions
For those seeking excitement, the park’s attractions include a family-friendly roller coaster, perfect for an adrenaline rush amid the zoological landscape. Younger visitors may delight in the various rides scattered throughout the park, which are designed to complement the zoo’s natural setting. The experience is more than just observation; it’s interactive and full of learning opportunities.
Africa
- Expedition Wild Africa Safari Presented By Land Rover
Florida
- Roaring Springs Family Water Adventure Presented By Pinch A Penny
Carousel Circle
- The Carousel Presented By The Lowry Murphy Family Foundation
Australia
- Aussie Trek Presented By Outback Steakhouse
- Billabong Splash Pad
- Boomer’s Flyin’ Bananas
- Koala Clubhouse Playground
- Tasmanian Tiger Coaster
Special events
There are different seasonal events throughout the year which you can attend them for free if you are either a member or a pay-for-a-day guest such as:
- Creatures of the Night – a family-friendly Halloween event
- Christmas in the Wild – a family-friendly Christmas event
- New Year Celebration – a family-friendly New Year’s event
- Zoobrews – food, drinks, music and entertainment for guests ages 21 and up
…and more! Find more information here.
Educational Programs
ZooTampa at Lowry Park offers a variety of educational programs that cater to your curiosity about wildlife and conservation. These programs provide immersive and interactive learning experiences that engage you with the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Zooventures Theater
At the Zooventures Theater, you’re treated to a dynamic and educational show that brings you face-to-face with the fascinating stories of the zoo’s residents. As a traveler to this magical corner of ZooTampa, you’ll learn about animal behaviors, conservation efforts, and how you can contribute to wildlife preservation. The theater experience is designed to be both informative and entertaining, making learning about zoology fun for visitors of all ages.
Interactive Learning
Interactive Learning opportunities at ZooTampa plunge you into hands-on activities that make education feel like an adventure. Whether you’re engaging in a game that teaches about animal habitats or participating in a program that allows you to travel along the path of zookeepers, your experiences here are structured to deepen your understanding of the animal world. Boldly step into roles that challenge you to think like a researcher and act like a conservationist, all within the inviting and instructive spaces of ZooTampa.
Tickets AND admission
Here are the current prices for single-day admission:
Adult (ages 12+) – $44.95
Child (ages 3 – 11) – $34.95
If you buy in advance, you can save $3!
We recommend just getting the pay-for-a-day with free admission for the rest of year if you can. We got this last year and it is a good value. It only costs a tiny bit more than the single-day ticket but it feels like an annual pass! They do have block-out dates but it’s still well worth it. Here are the current prices for pay-for-a-day:
Adult (ages 12+) – $47.95
Child (ages 3 – 11) – $37.95
You can find more information here.
Amenities and Accessibility
Your experience at ZooTampa at Lowry Park needs to be as comfortable as it is exciting. With dining options to satisfy your hunger and accommodations to ensure your visit is convenient, every need is thoughtfully considered.
Dining Options
Food will be a big part of your zoo adventure. ZooTampa offers a variety of dining spots where you can grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely meal. From fast food to more relaxed sit-down restaurants, there’s something to suit every taste. If you need to plan ahead or are looking for specific options like gluten-free, vegetarian, and/or vegan which are also available upon request, be sure to check the ZooTampa App. You can contact Guest Relations by calling 813-935-8552 ext 0 or chatting with them on their official website here.
You can bring your own food if you want. They have picnic tables available in their parking food for your convenience. To check the list of what kind of food and drinks are accepted or prohibited, you can see a list here.
Comfort and Accommodations
Your comfort is a priority. Accessible restrooms, shaded seating areas, and indoor air-conditioned spaces provide accommodations for rest and recuperation between exhibits.
Wheelchair and Stroller Rentals
Wheelchair and stroller rentals are also available to make navigating the zoo effortless. For all available services, you can get detailed information on the ZooTampa Website. Here are the current prices:
Manual Wheelchairs – $13
Double Strollers – $14
ECVs – $40
Parking
Parking is free to all regular guests and there are plenty of parking spaces, so you don’t have to worry about not finding parking even on busy days. Members get preferred parking on an available basis.
Hours of Operation
They are open daily from 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, rain or shine, except for extreme weather. Don’t worry though, they have a guarantee if the weather changes.
