ZooTampa at Lowry Park | Tampa

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a zoological park located in Tampa, Florida, USA.

It is situated within the city limits of Tampa, north of the Hillsborough River.

Visual Characteristics

The zoo features a variety of enclosures designed to mimic natural habitats. These include large, open-air exhibits for primates, a Florida native section with cypress swamps and sandy trails, and a marine mammal area with saltwater pools. The architecture incorporates naturalistic elements like rockwork, water features, and dense vegetation. The park covers approximately 56 acres.

Location & Access Logistics

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604. It is approximately 5 miles north of downtown Tampa. Access is via West Sligh Avenue, which connects to North Boulevard and Dale Mabry Highway (US 92). Ample on-site parking is available for a fee. Public transport options include the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) bus system; routes 1, 15, and 19 stop near the zoo entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The park originally opened in 1937 as a small, free zoo within Lowry Park, managed by the City of Tampa Parks Department. It underwent significant expansion and redevelopment, reopening as Lowry Park Zoo in 1988, with a focus on conservation and education. The current iteration, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, was established following further renovations and a rebranding.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe a range of animal species, including Florida panthers, manatees, orangutans, and African elephants. Specific exhibits include the Florida Wildlife Center, the Primate World, and the Wallaroo Outback. The zoo offers educational presentations throughout the day. A splash pad area is available for children.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located throughout the park. Shaded areas are provided by mature trees and covered pavilions. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the park. Food and beverage vendors are present within the zoo, offering various dining options.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for observing animal activity is typically in the morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler. The months of March through May and September through November generally offer the most pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. Avoid midday during summer months due to high temperatures and humidity.

Facts & Legends

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a designated center for manatee rehabilitation. The zoo's David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center is one of only four such facilities in Florida, treating sick and injured manatees with the goal of returning them to the wild.

Nearby Landmarks

• University of Tampa (2.5km South)
• Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (3.0km South)
• Tampa Museum of Art (3.2km South)
• Glazer Children's Museum (3.3km South)
• Ybor City State Museum (4.5km Southeast)