At the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa Florida, visitors will have a chance to see hundreds of different species of animals all in wonderful enclosures and habitats built exactly to mimic their natural environments. The zoo houses actually house a number of rare species, which cannot often be viewed at other zoos. Parent's Magazine voted the Lowry Park Zoo as the top zoo in America.
The zoo is divided into a number of sections to help maximize guests' self-guided experience. In the Safari Africa area, guests can see the Ituri forest, full of natural wildlife. In the Wallaroo Station, guests can see animals like cockatoos, kookaburra, goats, and of course, kangaroos. At the Asian Gardens, guests can see leopards, tigers, and bears, and at the Free Flight Aviary in this section, guests can enter a sub-tropical rain forest where they can enjoy the feathered friends who live there. There is also the Florida Boardwalk, where guests can see the animals who live naturally in Florida, and the Manatee and Aquatic Center, that is home to many endangered and amazing marine animals.
One of the most popular areas of the zoo is Primate World. In this area, guests can see monkeys, mandrills, and orangutans, as well as chimpanzees and gorillas. Also included are tiny marmosets and tamarins. Nearby, visitors can go to the Birds of Prey exhibit, and see a Spirits of The Sky Show, which features a number of large birds, any of which are native to the United States and Florida in particular.
Because the weather in Florida is warm year-round, the Lowry Park Zoo's animals don't have to be housed in special facilities for the winter. This gives guests more opportunities to see the animals, including a number of species that naturally live in rain forests, deserts, and other hot environments. Keep in mind, however, that some zoo animals are moved to their indoor living spaces later in the day, and others may not be outside during the hottest days of summer.
The zoo has a number of special events throughout the year to help visitors get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the animals housed at the zoo. Every summer, there are camps for children of all ages, and you can also schedule a VIP tour or an EcoTour to get a guided experience while visiting the facility. They also sponsor sleepover events so that families can see the animals after hours. Many animals are more active at night, so this gives visitors a unique experience.
The Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida is open every day of the year, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. During some periods of inclement weather, or other circumstances, the zoo might close, so it is always a good idea to call ahead to make sure the zoo is open for visits. There is free parking, and the zoo is open seven days a week, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. To learn more, visitors can contact the zoo at 813-935-8552.
