The Ultimate Guide to ZooTampa At Lowry Park

We’ve all been there before.

You visit an attraction, you’re headed to the exit, and your kids chime in…

“Can we do it again?” PLEASE!!!

“I don’t want to leave!”

(Strange, I know!)

Well, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, in Tampa, Florida, is one of those places that you will never want to leave.

❤️A special thank you to ZooTampa at Lowry Park for hosting my family in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.❤️

After our first visit to ZooTampa, I can, without a doubt, say I would do it again! In a heartbeat! The parents had as much fun as the kids! I call that a win-win for everyone. In our Ultimate Guide to ZooTampa we share all the details with you, including the park layout, do not miss exhibits, and some of our favorite animals.

ZooTampa, Here We Come! Let the Fun Begin!

After you have found your FREE parking spot, (Yes, you read that right- FREE parking! BONUS!) you can make your way through the main entrance to the ticket counters. Just like most attractions in Florida, there is a security check to go through so they can take a look at your bags. We arrived on a Saturday and waited less than five minutes in the security line.

Once you are through security, you can make your way to the ticket counter to purchase tickets and book any up close encounters you may want to experience. They do offer the option to purchase your tickets online ahead of time, which will save you time AND $3 per person. I would highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance, especially during their peak seasons, or check out the Tampa Bay CityPass! With the CityPass you can save 54% or more on Tampa Bay’s 5 best attractions which includes:

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
• The Florida Aquarium
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• Museum of Science & Industry OR The Tropics Boat Tours Dolphin or Sunset Cruise

What’s Inside? ZooTampa Map

ZooTampa is separated into six sections: Main Entrance, Wallaroo, Africa, Primates, Florida, and Asia. Each of the five continental themed areas has exhibits that includes animals you would encounter on each continent. Plus each themed area has a ZooTampa map at the entrance so you know where you are. All continents encircle the Main Entrance so you can basically walk around the zoo in a big loop.

If you will be in the Tampa Bay area for a few days, make sure you check out the Tampa Bay City Pass. You can save 50% or more on Tampa Bay’s top attractions!

Tampa Zoo Lowry Park

Main Entrance

As you make your way into ZooTampa, you are greeted by the Manatee Fountains. This beautiful “splash pad” area is surrounded by tall trees, with plenty of benches for parents to relax while keeping an eye on the little ones splashing in the water.

To the right of the Manatee Fountain is the Macaw Flyover. Don’t look down or you might miss the flock of colorful macaws as they fly over the entrance and around Manatee Circle, before stopping for a photo op. It’s an memorable experience as you watch these amazing bird glide effortlessly through the air.

Also just inside, is the Free-Flight Aviary. It includes beautiful birds like the open-billed stork, that can remove snails with their beaks without even breaking the shell! This is also where you will find their resident sloth. BONUS TIP: The sloths are most active in the morning, so make sure you plan accordingly if you love sloths as much as we do!

Carousel Circle

As you make your way to the center of the zoo, you will find yourself at the Jungle Carousel.

There are 33 handcrafted animal figures all together on the carousel, which includes some of the many ZooTampa animals you will see during your visit. So take a ride on a manatee, panda, giraffe, or zebra. The list goes on! The Carousel Circle is also a central hub for many activities at the Zoo.

Wallaroo Station

G’day, mates! Welcome to Wallaroo Station! An Australia-themed land down under area that is also the gateway to the Children’s Zoo. This area was a huge hit with my 4-year-old son because not only does he love Australia, but who doesn’t love a petting zoo?!

The Children’s Zoo also has a water play area, and rides for kids of all ages, such as the Tasmanian Tiger Family Roller Coaster.

If you have younger children who love rides, you may also want to check out our Top 10 Toddler-Friendly Rides At LEGOLAND.

Africa

Welcome to the Safari! This section of the zoo is one of the more popular spots and a favorite amongst guests. You will be amazed by all of the ZooTampa animals including some the largest like elephants, rhinos, and giraffes, to some of the smaller ones like okapis, meerkats, and pigmy hippos.

One of our favorite things to do in Safari Africa is Expedition Africa. It is an open-air tram safari ride that is narrated and lasts about 15 minutes. You will make your way around the outskirts of the Africa exhibits, giving you a behind-the-scenes view of many of the animals.

I suggest getting to the safari as early in the day as possible because as the day goes on, the line does get busier. Expedition Africa was one of the first things we did that day and we were able to see a lot of the ZooTampa animals being fed.

Once your tram ride is complete, continue on through the Africa exhibits where you will find meerkats, tortoises, cheetahs, African penguins, and so much more!

Guests also have the opportunity to get eye-to-eye with a giraffe, the tallest animals in the world, as you feed them lettuce. Watch out for their tongues!

The Africa section of the Zoo where a lot of the incredible Up-Close Signature Encounters take place. You can chose from:

• African Elephant Backstage
• African Penguin Backstage
• Aldabra Tortoise Encounter
• Indian Rhino Feeding
• Southern White Rhino Backstage
• and Koala Photo Encounter

They are pretty reasonable- $25 per person for non-members- and make for an unforgettable experience. Children have to be at least 5 years old to participate in all encounters.

Primates World

Primate World is all about monkey business! Grab a rope and swing on in to see primates from all around the world. There are chimpanzees, Siamang gibbons, colorful mandrills, and Bornean orangutans, just to name a few.

A lot of the primates at ZooTampa are endangered in the wild. Each exhibit explains where they are from and what you can do to help them. It is a great learning opportunity for children, and adults, to understand the challenges these animals face in the wild.

The Bornean orangutan area was absolutely incredible! We were able to see an educational talk with one of the caretakers while she fed them. For instance, did you know that orangutans are highly intelligent and they share approximately 97% of their DNA with humans?!

Did you also know that orangutans are facing extinction due to their forest habitats being burnt down to make room for palm oil plantations? Palm oil is in high demand because it is used in pre-packaged food and baked goods, candy, shampoo, soap, and deodorant. So if you are purchasing something with palm oil in it, make sure the palm oil that is used, is certified sustainable. This momma orangutan and baby thank you!

Asia

Rhinos, and leopards, and alligators, oh my! This is a great area to see some ZooTampa animals that you may have never heard of before. Many of these animals are also rare and endangered. Get an up-close view of Malayan tigers basking in the sun, a Komodo dragon on a stroll, the Indian rhinos kissing through the fence, and the clouded leopards with all their beautiful spots.

And don’t miss the Gharial crocodile, which is also on the brink of extinction. It is unmistakable due to its long, thin jaws which it uses to catch fish.

Lorikeet Aviary

Located inside the Asia section, is the Lorikeet Aviary. This is a DO NOT MISS if you ask me! The rainbow lorikeet is a medium-sized parrot that is roughly 10 to 12 in long, including the tail. Their colors are so bright and absolutely beautiful!

You can purchase a cup of food to feed the lorikeets for an up close encounter. Just a heads up, literally, they see it coming! When you take those first few steps into the aviary, don’t be shocked if you have quite a few birds landing on you to get first dibs.

Florida

Florida is home to some pretty wild animals, including 760 species that exist nowhere else in the world. Here, there are 548 species, plants and animals, that call Florida home. ZooTampa animals, including the critically endangered Florida Panther, are also threatened with extinction.

Some of the native Florida wildlife at ZooTampa include black bears, flamingos, key dear, and of course, the American Alligator.

Manatee Center

The David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center is the first nonprofit acute care facility for injured, sick, and orphaned wild manatees. They are large animals yet they glide effortlessly through the water. Plus, they are absolutely adorable!

Inside the manatee tank there are also tons of underwater creatures such as moray eels, nurse sharks, and seahorses. Can’t visit Florida without seeing some ocean creatures. If your kids love ocean creatures as much as mine do, make sure and check out our list of Over 30 Ocean Themed Books And Resources.

On the outskirts of the Florida park area, is the newest zoo attraction- the Roaring Springs ride. Unfortunately, it was closed while we were there.

Know Before You Go

• Website: www.zootampa.org
• ZooTampa Address: 1101 W. Sligh Ave, in Tampa, Florida.
• ZooTampa Hours: 9:30am – 5:00pm (Check website for up to date hours.)
• Admission: Tickets are $33.95 for ages 12 and up, $24.95 for ages 3-11, and FREE admission for those who serve. (Visit the tickets page for more information and up to date pricing.) ZooTampa also participates in a program of reciprocation with more than 150 other zoos and aquariums throughout North America. Make sure to check to see if your zoo also takes part in the program.
• Parking: Is FREE!
• Stroller, Wheelchair, and EVC’s rentals are available on a first come, first served basis. For those with special needs, they do offer a sign language tour, and they also have been designated as an “autism-friendly” business. Make sure to take a look at the Visitor Information page before your visit.

If you will be in the Tampa Bay area for a few days, make sure you check out the Tampa Bay City Pass. You can save 50% or more on Tampa Bay’s top attractions such as:

• ZooTampa at Lowry Park
• Busch Gardens Tampa
• The Florida Aquarium
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• Museum of Science & Industry OR Chihuly Collection

How Much Time Will It Take

You could very easily spend an entire day at ZooTampa. There is so much to see and do between all of the animal exhibits and rides. PERHAPS next time you are in Tampa, you can stop by ZooTampa at Lowry Park. It is an amazing place, so take your time and soak it all in.

Read about our other adventures in Florida:

• EVOS Restaurant (South Tampa)
• Top 10 Toddler Friendly Rides at LEGOLAND Florida (Winter Haven)
• Step Back In Time At The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (Bradenton)
• Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium (Sarasota)
• Sand & Sea Vacation Rental – Anna Maria Island (Family-friendly!)
• Happy Paddler Coastal Island Kayak Eco Tour (Anna Maria Island)
• Bradenton Beach Marina Dolphin Eco Tour (Anna Maria Island)
• How Our Family Of 5 Flew Roundtrip To Florida For Less Than $325

Also be sure to check out our Top 30 Gift Ideas for Travelers. It is full of unique gift ideas for those in your life who love to travel… or to add to your own personal carry-on.  We’ve even included the one item we won’t go to Disney without! It might surprise you!