Located at Lowry Park in the heart of Tampa, Zoo Tampa is considered one of the best public parks in the state of Florida. The 63-acre nonprofit zoo opened in 1957 and draws around 1 million people a year.

Zoo Tampa originally opened in the 1930s as a part of a small animal exhibit located on the University of Tampa grounds before moving to its current location. Formerly known as the Lowry Park Zoo, the zoo was rebranded in 2018 when it received a large renovation.

Home to around 1,300 animals, Zoo Tampa has a wide offer of educational and entertainment programs for the whole family. With areas devoted to Asia, Australia, Florida, and Africa, the zoo emphasizes threatened, endangered, and vulnerable species.

Explore the different exhibits on a guided tour, such as the Asian Gardens, Primate World, and Wallaroo Station to visit your favorite four-legged friends. Admire up-close the Florida manatee, take a selfie with an elephant, have dinner with an award-winning chef, and more - the Zoo Tampa won't disappoint you at all!

Zoo Tampa is open every day of the week from 9:30 am to 5 pm, with extended hours for certain events. Check the zoo's official site for information on these events. Thanksgiving and Christmas are the only days the zoo is closed. From the city of Tampa, it takes about 8 minutes by car to reach Zoo Tampa or a 40-minute bus ride (Line 1).