New Animals, Recently Launched Florida Waters, Immersive Tours Make the Zoo a Must-Visit Summer Destination
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is happy to announce the birth of a female nyala calf on May 6, 2026, to first-time mother Macy and father Barry. The calf weighed 6.3 pounds and exhibited a reddish-brown coat with white stripes.
The calf stood within 15 minutes of birth, and both mother and calf are healthy and bonding well. Nyala are spiral-horned antelope native to southern Africa, recognized for their chestnut coats with white stripes and spots. Males develop spiral horns and darker coats as they mature. They inhabit woodlands and thickets, often grazing in groups.
With a gestation period of approximately 210 to 220 days, nyala calves spend about seven months developing before birth. Guests can observe the nyala family in their mixed-yard habitat at the Zoo.
In addition to the babies born recently, including a white rhino calf, guests can explore the new Florida Waters area, offering an immersive journey into Florida’s aquatic wildlife.
New behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters increase ZooTampa’s appeal as a summer destination. Guests can take on the role of an animal care professional and discover what it takes to care for some of the amazing animals that call the Zoo home, on the new Discover ZooTampa Behind-the-Scenes tour.
For another unique experience and fascinating glimpse into the Zoo’s daily operations from animal nutrition and veterinary care, guests can participate in the new Inside Look Behind-the-Scenes tours. These unique experiences are available for an additional price and allow families to create lasting memories to cherish for years to come.
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