ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a zoo in Tampa, Florida, housing over 1300 animals in a tropical setting with lush greenery and mature oak trees providing shade throughout. The grounds feature wide pathways leading to exhibits of Florida natives, African species, and Australian wildlife, alongside water play areas, a safari ride, and the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Hospital.
The zoo was established to protect regional wildlife and connect visitors with nature. Over time, it has become a leading conservation center, particularly through its Manatee Hospital, which rescues injured and orphaned manatees and returns them to the wild. This commitment reflects decades of work protecting Florida's most vulnerable species.
The zoo is named after Henry Lowry, an early Tampa resident, reflecting the community's historical connection to this place. The way visitors interact with animals here, from feeding giraffes to touching rays, shows how the zoo brings people closer to wildlife through hands-on experiences that emphasize respect and care.
The zoo is located about 11 miles from Tampa International Airport and opens daily at 9:30 in the morning. Arriving early is recommended since animals are most active in cooler hours, and a typical visit lasts four to five hours, allowing time to see most exhibits, enjoy rides, and watch shows.
Visitors can feed a giraffe or come face-to-face with an Indian rhinoceros, hands-on experiences uncommon at most zoos. The zoo also offers Signature Encounters, special paid programs providing even closer animal interactions that set this visit apart from typical zoo experiences.
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