ZooTampa at Lowry Park has more than one million visitors every year. It began in the 1930s with native Florida species and expanded over the years. The emphasis at ZooTampa is on threatened, vulnerable, and endangered species from climates that resemble the Tampa Bay region. There are areas of the park dedicated to Florida, Australia, Africa, and Asia. There are more than 1,300 animals in the zoo and the zoo participates in wildlife conservation and education.
Some of the endangered and threatened wildlife you will spot at ZooTampa include the African painted dog, Pygmy hippo, greater one-horned rhino, Aldabra giant tortoise, Florida panther, Bornean orangutan, African penguin, African elephant, Florida manatee, and southern white rhinoceros.
To make your trip to the zoo unforgettable, you can get up close and personal with some of these animals via backstage experiences or encounters or activities like an Indian rhino feeding. The zoo also regularly hosts events, including fundraisers, so be sure to check its calendar for both family-friendly and adult-only events.
There are also member-exclusive events such as Zoo University and Toddler Tuesdays. ZooTampa recently added Roaring Springs, a family water adventure to other options that include Expedition Africa, the Jungle Carousel, Boomer’s Flyin’ Bananas, and other rides.
1101 W. Slight Avenue, Tampa, FL, Phone: 813-935-8552, Map
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Step 4: Estimate your driving time using Google Maps (click the blue 'Directions' arrow in the search box).
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