Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa at Lowry Park, formerly known as Lowry Park Zoo or Lowry Park Zoological Garden, is a non-profit zoo located in Tampa, Florida which spans 63 acres. It was voted #1 Family Friendly Zoo in the US by Parents Magazine in 2009 and recognized as the center for conservation and biodiversity by the State of Florida (HB 457).
The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a member of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG), the Florida Association of Zoos and Aquariums (FAZA) and the Florida Attractions Association (FAA).
ZooTampa traces its beginnings to a small animal exhibit that resided on University of Tampa's campus in downtown since 1930s before moving to its current location in Seminole Heights in 1957.
After it was deemed unhealthy due to run down enclosures in 1980s, it underwent a complete redesign and reconstruction from 1987-1988. It has also added various sections and attractions over time often with geographic themes.
In 2018, it was rebranded as "ZooTampa at Lowry Park" during another large renovation project. It now stands at 65 acres, attracts nearly 1 million visitors annually, and houses over 1,300 animals. Learn more about Adventure Island.
History of the Tampa Lowry Park Zoo
Tampa's first attempt at a zoo was a small collection of animals found in Plant Park, located on the University of Tampa campus across the Hillsborough River from downtown. In the 1950s, then city council member and mayor Nick Nuccio pushed for a larger zoo to be established in another, more spacious location. The site chosen was across the street from Lowry Park, a public greenspace in Seminole Heights along the Hillsborough River that had been named after Sumter de Leon Lowry Sr., a city commissioner and gubernatorial candidate known for his vocal support of segregation and active membership in the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Learn about Coastal Outdoor.
Address: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Departments: Expedition Africa
Hours:
Monday 9:30 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 9:30 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 9:30 AM–5 PM
Thursday 9:30 AM–5 PM
Friday 9:30 AM–5 PM
Saturday 9:30 AM–5 PM
Sunday 9:30 AM–5 PM
Phone: (813) 935-8552
Notable animals: Zack, Zola, Ceduna, Sdudla, Myrtle, Ahadi, Keeva
Opened: 1957
Number of animals: 1,300
Land area: 63 acres