ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a 56-acre nonprofit zoo at 1101 W Sligh Ave, beside the Hillsborough River in north Tampa. Families, educators, and animal lovers come for close encounters with giraffes, hands-on learning, and one of Florida’s most respected manatee rescue programs.
Giraffe feeding is the signature moment. Guests climb to an elevated platform and offer lettuce to long-necked residents at eye level. The zoo’s conservation work comes into focus at the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center, where injured and orphaned manatees receive treatment. The newer Florida Waters exhibit shows that rehabilitation work to visitors (Thrillzing). Shaded paths lead through African, Asian, and Australian zones. A water play area gives kids a welcome way to cool off during humid Tampa afternoons. Educational programs, camps, and keeper talks run throughout the year.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
The zoo is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Parking costs $7 per vehicle, paid through Parkmobile at onsite kiosks (The Kerin Group).
Tips for your visit:
- Avoid the crowds: Arrive at opening on a weekday. Animals are most active in the morning, and school groups thin out after lunch.
- Check seasonal schedules: Weekends during spring break and summer draw the biggest crowds. Fall evenings bring seasonal events, so check dates before you go.
- Save on tickets: Buy online in advance or use CityPASS. Reserve Signature Animal Encounters early through ZooTampa.
