ZooTampa at Lowry Park has been a popular attraction for decades, entertaining and educating almost one million visitors annually with enjoyable and immersive animal adventures. This spring, the Zoo is unveiling new habitats with rare and unique species and a safari experience aimed at the goal of connecting guests with amazing wildlife.
“We are thrilled to be able to introduce new experiences that will re-set the anticipation of what the Tampa Bay area can expect from their Zoo. Many people will never get the chance to take a trip across the world to see a rare shoebill stork in its native habitat or to be close enough to a binturong to catch a whiff of its unique scent which many compare to buttered popcorn,” said Joe Couceiro, CEO of ZooTampa. “This is just the beginning of the exciting plans we have for fiscal year 2021. We want our guests to walk away inspired and empowered by experiences that show the uniqueness of the animal world and join us on our mission to save these amazing species.”
Detail of new experiences (OPENING SPRING 2021):
Shoebill Storks Aviary: ZooTampa is home to three of only four shoebill storks in the United States. These fascinating birds can reach five feet in height and are classified as vulnerable, with only 3,300 to 3,500 mature shoebills still living in the wild. In 2009, ZooTampa became the first wildlife institution in North America to hatch one of these rare avians outside of their native range. Their new habitat is located in the Africa realm of the zoo and will provide guests their first glimpse of these incredible animals in more than a decade.
Binturongs Habitat: ZooTampa’s beloved binturong family—Sully, Melati, and baby Kartika—will be relocating from their behind-the-scenes living space to the Asia realm of the Zoo. Also known as Asian bearcats, these animals spend most of their time in trees using their padded paws and long claws to expertly grasp branches and explore treetops. They have a distinctive scent, which is said to resemble buttered popcorn or corn chips. Listed as vulnerable, binturongs are currently at risk due to habitat destruction, poaching, and the fur and pet trade.
Expedition Wild Africa: In this newly designed safari experience, guests will have the opportunity to play the role of research interns visiting Africa’s Pampu Preserve.
They will enjoy solving clues and visiting virtual base camps and research stations while onboard a safari truck during their journey. Animal adventures abound, including up-close introductions to the best predators on the Savanah, a view of the largest land mammal in the world, a close encounter with a crash of White Rhinos and much more!
Music in the Wild Event: During Spring Break week (March 13- 21), guests can join us for a wild afternoon filled with live music, food & drink specials and extended hours. The fun throughout the Zoo event will also feature the premiere of our new mascot, Manny T the Florida manatee and a food court offering delicious meals and treats at the new outdoor event space, Saunders Pavilion. After 2pm tickets for the event, offering a $5 discount from general admission, will be available for purchase at ZooTampa.org. Event is included with a ZooTampa membership and a $10 upgrade for Pay for Day ticket holders.
“In addition to these new adventures, we have also revamped our membership special event series to include Speakers of the Wild, Fitness in the Wild, and Breakfast with the Animals,” added Couceiro. “We are dedicated to continuing to find ways for families to get wild safely to ensure that members of our community have a place to experience the much-needed mental health benefits and comfort that being outdoors and connecting with nature provides.”
