TAMPA, Fla. – Rated among the “Top 25 Zoos in the U.S” by TripAdvisor, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo offers a unique and unforgettable Florida experience with exciting programs and engaging activities for all ages.

The Zoo features 1,300 amazing animals on nearly 60 acres of natural habitats with many interactive exhibits and opportunities to get closer to wildlife -- feed a gentle giraffe, touch a giant tortoise, hold a colorful lorikeet, get hand-to-fin with slippery stingrays and more. Zoo admission includes several fun and free rides like a guided safari through the African habitat area, Gator Falls flume ride, family roller coaster and dedicated children's rides, along with two splash ground water play areas. An onsite manatee hospital expands the traditional boundaries of a zoo, focusing efforts on critical care for injured, sick and orphaned wild manatees who are returned to Florida waters after rehabilitation. 

“At Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, our vision is to be an unforgettable place of discovery. This includes going beyond expectations and offering our visitors engaging and memorable connections to wildlife, as well as to each other,” said CEO Joe Couceiro.

Guests can get even closer to the animals with private tours and special encounters with a variety of animals. Experiences range from an “Inside Look Tour” that travels behind-the-scenes to “Zoo Adventure Tours” with your own personal guide inside the park, and “Premium Experiences” for exclusive interactions. All tours are available for groups, and led by a professional programs instructor. Tours can be scheduled through the Zoo's education department at 813-935-8552 ext. 268.

The Zoo offers more ways for guests to personalize their visit than ever before with a variety of admission options to suit any traveler's needs:

• “Pay for a day, come back all year ticket” (through 2016) known as the ZooperPass, available at LowryParkZoo.org or at the front gate for a limited time.
• One-day admission, discounted online at LowryParkZoo.org or available at the front gate.
• After 4 p.m. tickets to seasonal events known as Sunset Celebration (summer), Creatures of the Night (fall) and Christmas in the Wild (winter) available online at LowryParkZoo.org or at the front gate.
• Group rates for 15 people or more, booked in advance by calling group sales at 813-935-8552 ext. 331.
• Tampa Trio Pass, discounted one-day admission to three attractions – Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, the Florida Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) -- available online at TampaTrio.org.
• Tampa Bay CityPASS, a booklet of admission tickets to five must-see attractions in the Greater Bay area, including the Zoo, available online at CityPass.com/Tampa.

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is a member of the Tampa Trio, three of Tampa's must-see tourist attractions, which also includes the Florida Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). The Tampa Trio offers a discounted combination ticket to all three attractions, available online at www.TampaTrio.org.  

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). 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 for special events. Parking is free. Visit www.LowryParkZoo.org or call (813) 935-8552 for information.  Also find the Zoo on Facebook and Twitter.

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