ZooTampa at Lowry Park Tickets

ZooTampa is much bigger now than when it started back in the 1930s. In its Lowry Park location since 1957, ZooTampa has expanded to cover 56 Florida acres and is home to over 1,100 animals. The zoo has entire zones dedicated to wildlife from Asia, Africa, Australia, and Florida.

ZooTampa gained its AZA accreditation back in 1988. Since then it has continued its commitment to the protection and high-quality care of animals, and, according to its official website, participates in almost 100 of AZA’s networks for managing endangered and threatened species.

You could spend all day at ZooTampa, but maybe you don't have the luxury. You'll need at least 3-4 hours to explore Lowry Park's magical menagerie and make the most of your ZooTampa tickets. This will allow you enough time to visit the various zones and see all your favourite animals.

Outside food & drink is not allowed within ZooTampa itself (excluding those with special dietary requirements). However, there is a picnic area outside, close to the main parking lot. Re-entry is also permitted with your ZooTampa tickets – just make sure you grab a bracelet at the park entrance before you exit the zoo.

There are over a thousand animals at ZooTampa – we can't list them all here! But, if it's wild intrigue you're looking for, then ZooTampa tickets are well worth it.

There are endangered species like Bornean orangutans and southern white rhinos. There are scaly skinks, toothy tigers, tree-hugging bears, and smiling sloths.

But the zoo is more than just a place to admire the animals. It's a refuge for Floridian wildlife, like the critically endangered Florida panther. It's also home to a nationally renowned manatee rehab center, one of only four of its kind in the United States.

From the tiniest seahorses to stamping African elephants, ZooTampa is home to an impressive troupe of animals from around the world.

• ZooTampa is home to more than 1,000 animals spread across 56 acres of land

• See endangered species up close, including Bornean orangutans, the southern white rhinoceros, and Florida panthers

• Learn about different species across six exhibitions, including the Florida Wildlife Center, Primate World, and the Aviary

• Visit the manatee rehab center – one of just four in the entire country

• See wildlife from around the world, including Asia, Africa, Australia, and Florida

The Tampa Zoo attracts over a million yearly visitors, so you'll want to reserve your tickets ahead of time. Book in advance to avoid disappointment during the busy season.

Tampa Zoo tickets include:

• Park admission – all rides and attractions

• All talks, shows, and guided walks are included

Tampa ZooQuarium tickets include:

• This ticket gives you access to both ZooTampa and the Florida Aquarium. You'll have access to all rides and attractions at both attractions

• Even more animals! Inside the Florida Aquarium you'll also meet lemurs, chameleons, sharks, alligators, otters, and penguins

• The Expedition Africa Guided Safari Tour at ZooTampa

General information:

• Parking is free of charge with your Tampa Zoo tickets

• You'll want to set aside around three to four hours to fully explore the Zoo

• Suitcases, food coolers, and bags with wheels are prohibited

• Outside food and drink is prohibited, except for water, snacks for your children, baby formula, and food required for those with special dietary requirements

• If you're a veteran or on active military duty, you are eligible to get a $4 discount on your tickets, with a valid ID to verify your military status

Accessibility:

• You are welcome to bring your wheelchair or ECV to the Tampa Zoo. ZooTampa has limited manual wheelchairs and ECVs for rent on a first-come, first-served basis

• ADA service dogs and miniature horses are welcome at ZooTampa – this does not include emotional support animals (ESAs). Service animals must be on a leash or harness for the duration of your visit

If you are fortunate enough to enjoy Florida’s warm coastal waters and springs, you might have the opportunity to see a unique species of marine mammal – the Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee.

Manatees are often referred to as “sea cows” because they are herbivores that graze on freshwater and saltwater plants. There are natural threats to manatees in the wild, like cold stress, red tide toxicity, and human-related injuries like boating accidents, getting trapped in flood control structures, and eating fish hooks and litter.

The David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center is the first non-profit critical center for injured and sick manatees. ZooTampa recently completed extensive upgrades to the water filtration system at the center, and this new, upgraded life support system allows the manatee staff to provide advanced, specialized care for the welfare of manatees and treat even the most severe cases.

Stingray Shores at ZooTampa is an experience where you can touch, feed, and even swim with stingrays. This interactive habitat houses both cownose and southern stingrays in a 30,000-gallon saltwater pool. Young children can easily see and interact with the stingrays from the pool's edge.

For a special experience, join the Signature Encounter to enter the water with a guide and an aquatics team member. This adventure allows you to connect with these fascinating creatures in a whole new way.