ZooTampa Integrates Acupuncture into Veterinary Care for Animals with Complex Medical Needs

TAMPA, Fla. (August 5, 2026) – ZooTampa at Lowry Park has incorporated veterinary acupuncture into treatment plans for animals with complex medical conditions, including a manatee, a black-bellied whistling duck, and a roseate spoonbill chick.

The initiative is led by Dr. Alex Mason, DVM, MS, CVA, CertAqV, a staff veterinarian certified in veterinary acupuncture. Traditionally associated with human and domestic animal medicine, acupuncture is now being applied to various species at the Zoo to enhance recovery and well-being.

“At ZooTampa, each animal receives individualized care, and acupuncture gives us another way to support patients when traditional treatment options may be limited or when we are working to improve comfort, mobility and healing,” said Dr. Mason. “It is used alongside our traditional veterinary care and allows us to take a more comprehensive approach to supporting the animals’ well-being.”

Acupuncture can help stimulate nerves, enhance blood flow and encourage the body’s natural pain management and healing responses. At ZooTampa, it is used as a complementary therapy, meaning it may be incorporated alongside traditional veterinary medicine, physical therapy and other treatments when appropriate.

Earl Grey, a 14-year-old black-bellied whistling duck, experienced sudden weakness in his right leg. After performing a physical examination and taking x-rays, the veterinary team initiated supportive care, including fluids, vitamins, pain management, and electroacupuncture. Following the first treatment, Earl Grey showed improved movement and posture. After two additional sessions, further enhancements in coordination, strength, and walking ability were observed.

“For acute conditions, three initial treatments can provide a strong foundation and help us evaluate how a patient responds,” said Dr. Mason. “Earl Grey’s progress has been encouraging, and we will continue to adjust his treatment plan based on his mobility and overall recovery.”

A roseate spoonbill chick hospitalized for a leg injury received electroacupuncture alongside traditional veterinary medicine, including pain medications and physical therapy. The chick has since regained normal function in the limb.

Sloth, a manatee under ZooTampa’s care, arrived with a chronic condition causing significant nerve injury to one side of his face, affecting his ability to open one nostril and blink one eye. While chronic nerve injuries can be especially difficult to treat, acupuncture has provided ZooTampa’s veterinary team with another option after traditional approaches were limited. The team has observed mild improvements, including increased movement around the affected nostril and eye.

The Zoo’s in-house expertise enables its veterinary and animal care teams to integrate acupuncture directly into patient care when it may benefit an animal’s comfort, mobility or recovery. This effort reflects ZooTampa’s broader commitment to advancing animal well-being through individualized treatment, rehabilitation and innovative veterinary practices.

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About ZooTampa at Lowry Park: ZooTampa at Lowry Park is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to excellence in conservation, education, and research. The Zoo, an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for over 30 years, is recognized as Florida’s most attended zoological cultural attraction. ZooTampa and the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center, were voted among the “Best Zoos” and “Best Zoo Exhibits” in USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards. The Zoo is also a 13-time winner of the Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Award, ranking it among the top 10% of attractions worldwide. ZooTampa is a nationally recognized leader in the rehabilitation and care of Florida species. The Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa and is open seven days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours for select events. For more information, visit www.zootampa.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube.

 

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Trustees of the Lowry Park Zoological Society, Directors of the Lowry Park Zoo Endowment Foundation, and the Employees and Volunteers of ZooTampa understand and appreciate the vital role of philanthropy to accomplish our work. That’s why we subscribe to the Donor Bill of Rights developed by the American Association of Fund Raising Counsel, Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, National Society of Fund Raising Executives:

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Christmas in the Wild Reservation Changes

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Outside Food & Drinks Policy

ZooTampa at Lowry Park offers a variety of delicious food for guests at several restaurants and concession stands throughout, but we understand that guests may need to bring outside food for special dietary needs. Acceptable and prohibited food items are listed below. For the convenience of our guests, there is a picnic area located outside the park near the main parking lot.
 Acceptable Items
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  • Small snacks for young children
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The following items are also prohibited to avoid blocking of walkways and/or trip hazards:

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Please leave any unnecessary articles secured within your vehicle to expedite your entry into the park.

We reserve the right to deny entry to anyone not observing Zoo Rules.

Zoo Fun Tickets

With a new Zoo Fun ticket, you get free admission through December 31, 2026 including access to our seasonal event series. Some blockout dates apply — see below for details. Not valid with any other discounts.

When does my Zoo Fun ticket expire?

All Zoo Fun tickets purchased now through 9/31/26 will expire on 12/31/2026.

What are the blockout dates?

2026:

10/10,  10/17, & 10/24 (only after 4:00 PM during Creatures of the Night)

11/27/26 – 11/28/26, including Christmas in the Wild

Can I purchase a Zoo Fun ticket on a blockout date?

Yes! You can purchase a Zoo Fun ticket for first-time use on a listed blockout date and have full access to the park on that day. Blockout dates apply to repeat visitation.

Can I use my Zoo Fun ticket on blockout dates?

If you already have your Zoo Fun ticket and wish to visit during a listed blockout date, please stop by the Zoo’s ticketing windows for alternate options:

  1. During blockout periods, Zoo Fun ticket holders have access to significantly discounted single-day tickets.
  2. For a limited time from the date of purchase, Zoo Fun tickets can be upgraded to a Zoo Membership (with no blockout dates).
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I purchased a Zoo Fun ticket online. How do I get my actual ticket?

Bring a copy of your confirmation (or show the confirmation email on your mobile device) to expedite entry into the Zoo. At your convenience during your visit you can stop by the Tours & Guest Services kiosk located just inside the Zoo to print your physical pass. No need to stand in line at the ticket windows. Walk right in!

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How do blockout dates affect seasonal events?

Blockout dates may apply on some seasonal event nights for Zoo Fun ticket holders. A blockout ticket upgrade is available to gain entry on those select nights. Blockout dates do not apply to Members.

Still have questions? Email us or call (813) 935-8552 ext. 0.