ZooTampa at Lowry Park

• Visit the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center inside ZooTampa at Lowry Park to observe rescued wild manatees receiving life-saving care and rehabilitation.
• Board the Expedition Wild Africa tram to tour open-air habitats populated by African elephants, zebras, and white rhinos.
• Explore the Florida Wilds area to spot rare native species, including the critically endangered Florida panther, black bears, and red wolves.
• Stroll through Asian Gardens to view Malayan tigers, Komodo dragons, and Greater One-Horned Rhinos in naturalistic enclosures.
• Feed gentle rays in shallow waters at Stingray Shores or wade alongside interactive touch pools in the Florida realm of ZooTampa at Lowry Park.

• Present your digital voucher or mobile ticket for direct scanning at the main gate of ZooTampa at Lowry Park.
• Undergo mandatory security and bag checks before entering the venue.
• Leave prohibited items such as coolers, folding chairs, and outside food at home, as only medical food, baby items, and one sealed water bottle per guest are permitted.
• Request a re-entry wristband from staff at the exit if you plan to return later in the day.

• Secure pre-booked direct timed-entry tickets online to bypass the main entrance gate queues at ZooTampa at Lowry Park and start your day without delay.
• Arrive right at opening near 9:30 AM on a weekday morning to head straight to popular exhibits like Safari Africa or the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center before tour groups arrive.
• Experience the outdoor animal habitats and interactive feeding stations early while animals are most active and lines remain minimal.
• Plan to visit Wallaroo Station and the splash zones in the late afternoon when school groups begin leaving the park.

A visit to ZooTampa at Lowry Park offers a captivating journey into the world of wildlife conservation and natural splendor. Walking through its thoughtfully crafted habitats brings visitors face to face with rare, endangered species and breathtaking botanical displays that reflect a deep mastery of naturalistic design. The emotional connection of witnessing majestic African elephants, rare Florida panthers, and gentle manatees in environment-focused sanctuaries creates an unforgettable experience for nature lovers of all ages.

To fully immerse yourself in this spectacular sanctuary, savvy travelers understand the importance of planning ahead to maximize their time. Securing priority timed-entry tickets allows you to bypass long entry queues at the gates, saving your energy for the incredible animal encounters and scenic pathways that await inside. Booking fast-track access ensures a smooth, stress-free start to your day, giving you precious extra hours to explore every corner of this world-class destination.

Spring Break Crowds and Warm Sunshine bring heavy visitor volume to ZooTampa at Lowry Park, resulting in extended wait times at main entrance gates and popular animal encounters like the stingray touch pools. Warm temperatures reaching the mid-80s Fahrenheit make morning visits ideal for beating both the outdoor heat and long ticketing lines, though afternoon crowds peak around mid-day during school recess periods. Stepping into air-conditioned indoor spaces or shaded boardwalks offers essential relief as midday humidity begins to build across the open outdoor paths.

Sweltering Humidity and Afternoon Showers characterize summer visits, where peak tourist attendance causes significant bottlenecks around popular rides and outdoor viewing habitats. Temperatures routinely soar past 90 degrees Fahrenheit with intense direct sunlight, making queueing in unshaded outdoor lines a grueling experience without advance admission. Frequent afternoon rainstorms often clear out outdoor walkways temporarily, while climate-controlled indoor exhibits and covered animal sanctuaries become crowded refuges during sudden downpours.

Moderate Lines and Crisp Breezes usher in a far more comfortable touring environment throughout autumn, drastically reducing queue times at general entry points and interactive habitats. Mild temperatures averaging in the mid-70s to low 80s allow visitors to comfortably explore the expansive grounds without suffering from oppressive heat. With seasonal holiday events picking up towards evening hours, daytime guests at ZooTampa at Lowry Park enjoy breezy conditions and manageable crowds across both indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Cooler Weather and Shortest Wait Times make winter the most strategic season for exploring ZooTampa at Lowry Park with virtually non-existent entry queues outside of major holiday weeks. Crisp temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s create ideal conditions for walking through outdoor pathways without heat fatigue, while comfortable indoor habitats require minimal waiting to access. Booking tickets online ahead of time ensures seamless access during occasional holiday surges, letting travelers enjoy draft-free, comfortable wildlife viewing all day long.

Beginning your visit at the main entrance of ZooTampa at Lowry Park, head directly toward the Safari Africa realm early in the morning to beat both the heat and the crowds. Board the open-air Expedition Wild Africa safari tram first for a narrated tour around the outer habitats while the animals are most active. After disembarking, stroll past the elephant and giraffe enclosures before taking a clockwise path into the Asian Gardens to observe Malayan tigers and Komodo dragons in their tranquil settings.

Continuing your loop around the central hub, navigate into the Florida Wilds area to view native wildlife, including the endangered Florida panther, black bears, and the vital manatee rehabilitation center. Finish your walking route by moving through Primate World to watch the active orangutans and colobus monkeys, before concluding your tour at Wallaroo Station, where interactive Australian exhibits and shaded areas offer a relaxing end to your day.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is generally open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, with extended hours offered on select days throughout the year.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is open daily throughout the year except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.