About Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to excellence in education, conservation and research. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is featured among the “Top 25 Zoos in the U.S” by TripAdvisor (2015) and “10 Best Zoos in the U.S.” by Trekaroo (2015). The Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48) and is open seven days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with extended hours on select nights during special events. Daytime admission prices are: adult – $27.95, seniors (60+) – $25.95, children ages 3-11 – $20.95, and children 2 and under are free. Parking is free. Visit http://www.LowryParkZoo.org or call (813) 935-8552 for information. Find the Zoo on Facebook and Twitter.
$3 OFF ZOO ADMISSION – Enjoy $3 off Zoo admission and spend the day visiting more than 1,000 animals on 56 acres of lush, natural habitats! Offer valid for up to 4 guests per original coupon presented. Coupon not combinable with any other offers. No cash value. Valid only during daytime hours; not valid for special events. Prices subject to change without notice. Discount not applicable to AAA rates. Expires 12/31/2015.
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My Personal Opinion:
I would like to start with a little bit about this awesome zoo. This zoo is considered to one of the most popular zoos in the Southwestern US. At this moment I agree with that. This zoo was amazing and it was so big. The Zoo originated in the 1930’s as a municipal department with a small collection of Florida native species. It grew gradually throughout the next four decades. The Zoo’s collection now includes more than 1,200 animals. This is the reason why this zoo is amazing. I encountered animals that I have never ever saw in any other zoo. I was truly amazed on what animals they had and the layout is great on how they have everything placed throughout the zoo. The Zoo emphasizes endangered, threatened and vulnerable species from climates similar to that of the Tampa Bay region, with park areas devoted to Asia, Africa, Australia and Florida. Additional areas exhibit primates and birds. I told you that is why this zoo is amazing.
Now let’s talk about what the cost is for this awesome Zoo. I know every one of you are probably saying it is to expensive for a family to visit. To tell you the truth this is actually priced at a great rate for the day out with your family.
- Adults $27.95
- Seniors $25.95
- Children (3-11) $20.95
- Children (2 and under) Free
A daytime ticket includes one entrance to the Zoo with free and unlimited rides. Open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas day), you’ll experience an unforgettable day of fun and adventure. Children 2 & under are free, and on-site parking is always free. Now you have to say this is a deal. I know you will have loads of fun. My family did.
You and your family will be surprised as you walk through all the different continents. It truly is amazing on how they have their animals set-up throughout the zoo. It took us a little over a hour to walk through the zoo and ride on some of the rides. They have this awesome zoo safari ride that takes you throughout the park. The best ride is the water flume ride. They have the track going up and around a section of the zoo. It has a huge splash at the end. So if you are hoping not to get wet then this isn’t the ride. I can tell you it was almost 90 degrees out the day we went. So, that slash felt so good and it was fun. In the children’ section they had a carousel right in the middle and other rides around it.
I personally love going to zoos. I have been to quite a few throughout my lifetime, but this one is my top #1. I was amazed of how many animals I got to see, the rides and the children’s section all for one price. The zoo alone is well taken care of it. The whole zoo is very clean, the bathrooms are spotless, the animal cages are very kept up and the ticket sales and the other workers are very friendly and helpful.
Now I would like share some of my photos we took throughout the zoo. I would love to share all of them with my readers but I had took almost 200 picture on our trip there. Here are some of them though.
I really hoped you like looking through my photos. Those are just a handful of some of the wonderful animals at this zoo. You really need to come for a visit. This zoo is to awesome to just explain in words. You need to see it with your own eyes.
GREEN INITIATIVES
WATER
We use water at the Zoo in all of the normal ways — drinking, cooking, cleaning, restrooms and landscaping. We also use water for animal care, exhibit pools, waterfalls, water play areas and fountains for your enjoyment.
RECYCLING
The Zoo has been recycling since the 1990’s. Recycling bins are in all of the public areas of the Zoo and behind the scenes. In addition to recycling plastic, glass, paper, cardboard, aluminum cans and fluorescent light bulbs, our Maintenance Department recycles construction pallets and scrap metal whenever possible.
ENERGY
In 2012, we asked Tampa Electric (TECO) to conduct a complete energy audit at the Zoo. We are gradually implementing TECO’s recommendations, starting with replacing all of our lighting fixtures with more energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps or LED lamps. Other strategies include replacing inefficient HVAC systems and other equipment, and hardening our power infrastructure to prevent outages that could threaten both human and animal safety.
Florida is known as the “Sunshine State” and Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is utilizing that sunshine through solar panels atop the African Elephant shade structure. These solar panels generate approximately 195 kWh of energy each day, which is contributed to the Tampa Electric grid. That’s enough to power 5.5 homes every day in Florida!
Like I said this zoo doe it all. It is one great zoo all the way around. If you would like to get tickets ahead of time or check out some more about this zoo then you can click HERE.
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