Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo was started in 1957 by a group of local businessmen and civic leaders who wanted to create a zoo in the Tampa area. The zoo was originally called the Lowry Park Zoo, named after the Lowry family who donated the land for the zoo.
The zoo was officially opened to the public on October 4, 1957, with a collection of 56 animals, including monkeys, bears, and birds. The zoo quickly became a popular attraction in the Tampa area, drawing in thousands of visitors each year.
In the 1980s, the zoo underwent a major renovation and expansion, adding new exhibits and improving the overall visitor experience. In 1988, the zoo was renamed Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo to better reflect its location and to distinguish it from other zoos in the area.
Today, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is one of the top zoos in the United States, with over 1 million visitors each year. It is known for its conservation efforts and its focus on education and animal welfare. The zoo continues to grow and evolve, with new exhibits and attractions being added regularly.
1. African Elephant: The zoo is home to a herd of African elephants, including a male named Sdudla and two females named Mbali and Matjeka. Visitors can watch them roam and play in their spacious habitat.
2. Florida Panther: This endangered species is native to Florida and can be seen at the zoo's Florida Boardwalk exhibit. The zoo participates in conservation efforts to protect this species.
3. Chimpanzee: The zoo has a troop of chimpanzees, including a male named Enzi and several females. Visitors can observe their social behaviors and learn about their conservation status.
4. Giraffe: The zoo has a herd of Masai giraffes, including a male named Jafari and several females. Visitors can feed them at the giraffe feeding station and learn about their unique adaptations.
5. Manatee: The zoo has a rehabilitation center for injured or orphaned manatees. Visitors can see these gentle creatures up close and learn about their conservation.
6. Komodo Dragon: The zoo is home to a pair of Komodo dragons, the largest lizards in the world. Visitors can see them in their naturalistic habitat and learn about their hunting and survival techniques.
7. Red Panda: These adorable creatures can be found in the zoo's Asian Gardens exhibit. Visitors can watch them climb and play in their tree-filled habitat.
8. White Tiger: The zoo has a pair of rare white tigers, named Mata and Mala. Visitors can see them in their spacious habitat and learn about their conservation status.
9. American Alligator: The zoo has a large population of American alligators, including a 14-foot-long male named Maximo. Visitors can see them basking in the sun and learn about their important role in the ecosystem.
10. Flamingo: The zoo has a flock of Caribbean flamingos, known for their vibrant pink feathers. Visitors can see them wading in their pond and learn about their unique adaptations.

Conservational Services:

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is committed to conservation and has undertaken various efforts and restoration projects to protect and preserve wildlife and their habitats. Some of the key initiatives include:
1. Endangered Species Conservation: The zoo is actively involved in the conservation of endangered species such as the Florida panther, manatees, and black rhinos. They work closely with government agencies and other organizations to protect these species and their habitats.
2. Breeding Programs: The zoo has successful breeding programs for several endangered species, including the Florida panther, African penguins, and clouded leopards. These programs help increase the population of these species and ensure their survival.
3. Habitat Restoration: The zoo has restored and created natural habitats for animals, such as the Florida wetlands and the African savannah. These habitats provide a more natural environment for the animals and help promote their wellbeing.
4. Education and Outreach: The zoo offers educational programs and events to raise awareness about conservation and the importance of protecting wildlife. They also collaborate with schools and community organizations to promote conservation efforts.
5. Sustainable Practices: The zoo has implemented sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources and reducing waste, to minimize their impact on the environment.
6. Rescue and Rehabilitation: The zoo has a dedicated team that rescues and rehabilitates injured or orphaned animals. They work closely with local wildlife rehabilitation centers to release these animals back into the wild.
Overall, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is a leader in conservation efforts and continues to make significant contributions towards protecting and preserving wildlife and their habitats.

Things To Do:

1. Feeding Giraffes: At Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, visitors can get up close and personal with the zoo's resident giraffes. Guests can purchase lettuce leaves to feed the giraffes and even have the opportunity to hand-feed them.
2. Petting Zoo: The zoo has a designated area where visitors can interact with and pet a variety of domesticated animals such as goats, sheep, and pigs. This is a great activity for families with young children.
3. Stingray Bay: This interactive exhibit allows visitors to touch and feed stingrays in a shallow pool. Zookeepers are on hand to educate guests about these fascinating creatures and answer any questions.
4. Lorikeet Landing: This exhibit allows visitors to enter a free-flight aviary and hand-feed colorful lorikeets. These friendly birds will perch on your hand and drink nectar from a cup.
5. Penguin Meet and Greet: Visitors can get up close to the zoo's African penguins and learn about their behaviors and conservation efforts. Guests can also participate in a penguin painting session where they can create a masterpiece with the help of a penguin.
6. Elephant Encounters: The zoo offers a behind-the-scenes tour where visitors can meet and interact with the zoo's resident elephants. Guests can learn about their daily care and participate in a training session with the elephants.
7. Wallaroo Station: This interactive area is designed for children and features a petting zoo, a splash pad, and a playground. Kids can also interact with animals such as wallabies, emus, and kookaburras.
8. Rhino Encounter: Visitors can get up close to the zoo's rhinos and learn about their conservation efforts. Guests can also participate in a training session with the rhinos and even touch their horns.
9. Manatee Critical Care Center: The zoo is home to a state-of-the-art facility for rehabilitating injured manatees. Visitors can observe the manatees and learn about their conservation efforts.
10. Safari Africa: This exhibit allows visitors to take a guided safari tour through the African savanna and see animals such as zebras, rhinos, and giraffes in their natural habitat. Guests can also hand-feed giraffes during the tour.

Tips: 1. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you will be walking and standing for long periods of time. 2. Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. 3. Plan your visit ahead of time and check the zoo's website for show times and special events. 4. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. 5. Take advantage of the zoo's map and plan your route to see your favorite animals. 6. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture memories and take photos of the animals. 7. Consider purchasing a membership if you plan on visiting the zoo multiple times in a year.
Warnings: 1. Do not feed the animals or try to touch them. This can be dangerous for both you and the animals. 2. Follow all posted rules and regulations for your safety and the safety of the animals. 3. Keep an eye on children at all times and do not let them wander off alone. 4. Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for any potential hazards. 5. Do not litter and dispose of trash properly to help keep the zoo clean. 6. In case of an emergency, follow the instructions of zoo staff and seek help if needed. 7. Be respectful of the animals and their habitats, and do not disturb them.

Unfortunately, specific information on entrance tickets for Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is currently unavailable. However, here is the standard entrance ticket information for the zoo:
- General Admission: $34.95 for adults (ages 12 and up), $25.95 for children (ages 3-11), and $32.95 for seniors (ages 60+) - Children 2 and under are free - Military and AAA members receive a $3 discount on general admission tickets - Annual passes are available for purchase, starting at $59.95 for adults and $44.95 for children - Parking is $8 per vehicle - Tickets can be purchased online or at the zoo's ticket booth on the day of your visit - The zoo also offers special discounts for groups, schools, and field trips. Please contact the zoo for more information.

The zoo is open daily from 9:30am to 5:00pm.

"Explore Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo with ease using public transport options such as buses and trolleys. Convenient routes and schedules make it easy to reach the zoo from various locations in Tampa. Plan your visit today!"

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo offers a variety of dining options for visitors, including the Safari Lodge Restaurant, serving burgers and sandwiches, and the Garden Grille, offering salads and wraps. Nearby, guests can also find popular chains like Chick-fil-A and Panera Bread, as well as local favorites such as The Refinery and Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe. For a quick bite, there are food trucks and snack stands throughout the zoo. With so many choices, there's something for everyone to enjoy while exploring the zoo.