Rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Leadership in all aspects of our organization through persistance, collaborations, and imagination.
Innovation – Doing things the way they have always been done—even if it led to past success—doesn’t necessarily lead to future success. We must reimagine the future, think differently, challenge the status quo, and change the rules.
Discipline – Carefully analyze the logic and rationale behind every decision and act accordingly.
Common Sense – We must listen to and trust our instinct.
The highest level of exemplary animal care, operational actions, and sustainable practices.
Quality – Consistent attention to every detail is a sacred trust that is never compromised.
Humility – We cannot become complacent, arrogant, or take success for granted. We must always work hard to be a leader in our field and deliver on our brand promise every day.
Simplicity – Reducing something to its essential elements isn’t always easy. Nothing is so complex that it cannot be distilled to one page. It requires strong organizational skills and those who do it well are extremely valuable to our organization.
Safety – We prioritize and hold ourselves accountable for the well-being of our guests, employees, and animals.
A welcoming, equitable environment that promotes the success of all, encourages diverse perspectives to be heard, and values individual differences.
Communication – Open and honest communication between all levels is fundamental to our success and ensures everyone knows where the company is going and how we plan to get there. Active, two-way communication is essential. Leadership must encourage input and actively listen to employees. This is necessary to generate diversity in ideas and will result in a more committed workforce.
Planning – Take the initiative to design and commit to a desirable future and invent ways to get there. We encourage individual and team participation so that everyone is a part of the planning process.
Honesty – Always maintain an unwavering commitment to truth, integrity and objectivity. We interact honestly and respectfully with all our employees, guests and partners, and we expect the same in return. It is imperative that we operate our organization in a simple, clear and transparent way.
Provide consistent, unmatched customer service to every guest on every visit.
Memorable Connections – We are set apart by our ability to provide world-class customer service. Our front-line employees are the face of ZooTampa and their influence guarantees we can achieve our mission.
Fun – We all must enjoy what we do, be excited by challenges, and energized by possibilities. We work hard but we also should have fun.
Voted Tampa’s Best Family Attraction and 13-time winner of TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, ZooTampa offers unforgettable adventures for all ages. Enjoy an amazing, lush tropical setting with naturalistic habitats that provide up-close connections with animals from around the world.
The Zoo originated in the 1930’s as a municipal department with a small number of Florida native species. It grew gradually throughout the next four decades, but struggled to meet the developing professional standards of modern zoos.
In 1982, community leaders created the Lowry Park Zoo Association to take over management of the Zoo for the City of Tampa with the goal of creating a world-class zoo through a public-private partnership. The Association then became the Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa, Inc., as it remains today. Working with a national zoo designer, the Society was able to create a modern, 24-acre facility that opened to the public in 1988 and shortly after earned Accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
ZooTampa has now grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic animal exhibits in a lush, tropical garden setting. The Zoo offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won accolades as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
WILDLIFE HABITATS
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. Our animal habitats balance support for the maximum well-being of the animals with the importance of engaging our guests and inspiring them to protect and preserve wildlife. Random animal encounters, behind-the-scene tours, and other special personalized experiences expand the Zoo’s opportunities to provide unforgettable natural connections.
EDUCATION
ZooTampa at Lowry Park’s Education Department supports the Zoo’s mission with entertaining and educational programming designed to inspire guests with respect and appreciation for the natural world so that they leave the Zoo motivated and empowered to take positive conservation action. Our programs can be formal or informal, on-site or off-site, and tailored by age group and interest. The Zoo’s Florida Environmental Education Center, or “Zoo School,” — a year-round, full-time, licensed childcare center that enrolls children ages one through five — was the first full-time, licensed childcare center operated by a U.S. zoo. Since 1988, ZooTampa has educated more than 1.8 million school-aged children throughout Tampa Bay, increasing awareness about wildlife and the ways in which students can contribute to their preservation.
It takes vision, dedication, and strategic focus to continue to grow ZooTampa. Our leadership team is comprised of business leaders, animal care experts, and educational innovators who are committed to ZooTampa’s mission and vision.
ZooTampa cares for more than 1,000 animals and participates in nearly 100 AZA’s Species Survival Programs which help endangered and threatened species. The Zoo has won numerous awards for its animal conservation programs and was formally recognized in 2004 as a center for biodiversity and conservation by the State of Florida. ZooTampa’s Jacarlene Animal Care Campus features the Tiedemann-Cotton Animal Care Annex and the Catherine Lowry Straz Veterinary Hospital, which is accredited by the American Association of Animal Hospitals (AAHA). ZooTampa is one of only two zoos in the country to earn this distinction.
Originating in the 1930’s, ZooTampa has been bringing guests from all over Florida and around the world for almost a century. From humble beginnings as a municipal department with a small number of Florida species to the 56-acres of naturalistic animal habitats today, our story continues to grow and evolve for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t miss the popular Nat Geo WILD series, filmed entirely at Tampa’s award-winning Zoo, and see the behind-the-scenes stories of amazing animals and the dedicated team entrusted with their care. From rescued manatees needing 24-hour critical care to the notable birth of an endangered white rhino, the series features an array of compelling stories that highlight the Zoo’s mission to protect and preserve animals, while helping to inspire the next generation of wildlife champions.
The series is produced by Emmy-winning, Tampa-based Remedy Television + Branded and is available on Disney+ and Amazon.
We are committed to financial transparency. You can download the following financial documents to learn how your donation dollars are allocated to conserve and protect wildlife at ZooTampa
Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa, INC. is a 501(c)(3) Organization; TIN# 59-2328289.
Please fill out the form below to sign up for the job fair.
To qualify for a group rate, you need a minimum of 15 people.
1. Please make one field trip per reservation order. Complete one and start a new one if you have multiple days you are booking.
2. Headcount can be approximate. Please include children and adults in your headcount. Please do not include pass holders in your headcount for a ticket.
3. On the ticket page, choose the correct grade level (to the left of your screen) to receive the correct chaperone ratio.
4. On the ticket page, when on the calendar section, the number of tickets available will appear in the top right corner for each particular day. Tickets available include children and adults. If you have more people than tickets available, please choose another day.
5. Anyone that is ordering lunch, even pass holders and adults that receive free chaperone tickets, do need to pay for a lunch IF they are ordering one. Free chaperone tickets and pass holders are for admission only.
Boxed lunch orders must be received 5 business days prior to your field trip arrival. Groups will be responsible for all boxed lunches that were confirmed at that time.
6. Payment does not need to be paid at the time of registration. Choose the pay upon arrival option if you would like one person to pay for your entire trip on the day of your visit.
7. The prices of adult and children’s tickets are different.
8. You will receive a confirmation number and confirmation letter via email when your trip is confirmed. If you do not, please contact FieldTrips@ZooTampa.org right away.
Members receive 10% discount on dining.
Sales tax not included in prices.
Slice or Large Pie
Cheese or Pepperoni
Meat Lovers
Pepperoni, Sausage, Bacon Bits
Veggie Lovers
Tomato, Red Onions, Peppers, Black Olives, Mushroom
Supreme Pizza
Pepperoni, Bacon, Red Onions, Peppers, Black Olives, Mushroom
Gluten Free Crust
6x10in Pizza, Feeds 2, Any Flavor Above
All sub sandwiches are served with fries
Turkey and Swiss*
Meatball Sub*
Pizza Dog
Beef Hotdog Topped With Marina, Mozzarella Cheese, With A Choice of Pepperoni or Sausage
Fries (V&V)
Mozzarella Sticks* (V)
Chicken Tenders
Chicken Tenders Served With Fries
6 Wings
12 Wings
Wing Flavors: BBQ, Thai Chili, Buffalo
Roasted Veggie Flatbread* (V&V)
Naan Flatbread, Garlic Butter, Zucchini, Squash, Onion, Tomato, Carrot. Gluten Free Options Available on Sweet Potato Flatbread Upon Request
Caprese Flatbread* (V)
Pesto, Mozzarella, Tomato, Spring Mix, and Balsamic Glaze on Flatbread. Gluten Free Option Available Upon Request
Italian Zoodles (G)(V&V)
Zucchini, Tomato, Squash, Pesto
Black Bean Burger* (V&V)
Black Bean Burger, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, and Fries. Available With Gluten Free Bun
Greek Salad (G)(V)
Romaine, Cucumber, Kalamata Olives, Tomatoes, Red Onions, Feta Cheese
Caesar Salad* (V)
Romaine, Parm Cheese, Croutons on the Side, Your Choice of Dressing
Caprese Salad (G)(V)
Tomatoes, Mozzarella Cheese, Spring Mix, Pesto
Roasted Veggie Wrap (V&V)
Zucchini, Squash, Onion, Tomato, Carrot, Spring Mix on A Wrap
Kids meals are served with fries and a juice box
Hot Dog*
Mac and Cheese* (V)
Ask about our dietary friendly options when ordering
* Gluten Free upon request
(G) Gluten Free
(V) Vegetarian friendly
(V&V) Vegan and Vegetarian friendly
Members receive 10% discount on dining.
Sales tax not included in prices.
Classic Grilled Cheese (V)
Colby, American and Swiss Cheese on Asiago Sourdough
Caprese Grilled Cheese (V)
Tomato, Pesto, and Mozzarella on Italian Sourdough
Short Rib Fontina Grilled Cheese
Short Rib, Fontina and BBQ Sauce on Cuban Inspired Sourdough
Buffalo Chicken Mac
Mac and Cheese Topped With Shredded Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese
BBQ Pulled Pork Mac
Mac and Cheese Topped With BBQ Pulled Pork and Crispy Onions
Taco Mac
Mac and Cheese Topped With Taco Meat and Pico De Gallo
Classic Tots
Bacon, Cheese, Jalapeno Tater Tots
BBQ Pulled Pork Tots
BBQ Pulled Pork Tater Tots
Cheesy Tots (V)
Cheesy Tater Tots
Personal Pan Cheese Pizza (V)
Personal Pan Pepperoni Pizza
Chicken Tenders
3 Chicken Tenders With Tots
Lil’ Joey Meal
Meals Include Tots, Juice Box, and Special Toy
Hot Dog*
Chicken Tenders (2)
Sliders (2)
Mac and Cheese
Tater Tots
For special dietary and allergy requests, please see one of our team members for assistance.
* Gluten Free upon request
(V) Vegetarian friendly
Members receive 10% discount on dining.
Sales tax not included in prices.
All meals come with sandwich and choice of side.
Gluten free buns available upon request.
Fresh Hand Pressed Cheeseburger*
Hand Pressed Bacon Cheeseburger*
Classic BLT*
Applewood Smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, on Texas Toast
Classic Grilled Cheese* (V)
LIMITED TIME Roast Beef Club Sandwich
Roast Beef, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Grilled Onions, Swiss Cheese, and a side of Horseradish
Cheese: American, Swiss, Pepper jack, or Cheddar
Toppings: Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, Pickles, Grilled Onions, Grilled Mushrooms, Fried Egg, Jalapeños, Banana Peppers
Sides: Fries, Onion Rings, Side Salad, or Fresh Fruit
Add side of Nacho Cheese
Caesar Salad* (V)(G)
Romaine Lettuce, Seasoned Croutons, Shaved Parm, Caesar Dressing
Chopped Cobb Salad* (V)(G)
Romaine Lettuce, Cucumber, Tomato, Egg, Bacon, Avocado, Blue Cheese
Fresh Veggie Wrap (V)
Flour Tortilla, Lettuce, Roasted Veggies, Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Veggie Flatbread* (V&V)
Naan Flatbread, Garlic Butter, Zucchini, Squash, Onion, Tomato, Carrot. Gluten Free Option Available Upon Request With Sweet Potato Crust.
IMPOSSIBLE Burger* (V&V)
Your Choice of Cheese, Toppings, and One Side. Gluten Free Bun Available.
Black Bean Burger* (V&V)
Your Choice of Cheese, Toppings, and One Side. Gluten Free Bun Available.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich*
Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Choice of Cheese, and One Side. Gluten Free Bun Available.
Served with fries or fresh fruit, kids’ toy, and kids’ juice box.
2 Slider Burgers*
Chicken Nuggets
Mac and Cheese (V)
Frozen Custard in a Cup
Frozen Custard in a Waffle Cone
Macaw Blast
Frozen Custard with your choice of frozen treats blended in: Chopped Nuts, Crushed Oreo, Reese’s Pieces, M&Ms
Hand Spun Milkshake
Chocolate or Vanilla
Add Premium Toppings
Iced Coffee
Bag of Popcorn
Popcorn Refill
Pretzel
Cotton Candy
Ask about our dietary friendly options when ordering
* Gluten Free upon request
(G) Gluten Free
(V) Vegetarian friendly
(V&V) Vegan and Vegetarian friendly
To complete your camp registration, you must:
By clicking the registration button below, I confirm that I have read and agree to the Camp Waiver and Liability Release and Camp Handbook and will print, sign, and return the Camp Waiver and Liability Release to complete my registration.
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:
“Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes that they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is committed to protecting your privacy. We value the trust of our donors, volunteers, employees, and other supporters and recognize that maintaining this trust requires us to ensure the confidentiality of personal information that you share with us.
As a non-profit organization, ZooTampa relies on your support, depends on the support of generous contributors, and achieves ambitious fundraising objectives by communicating with and understanding donors. We know that it is essential to protect the privacy of that information. ZooTampa, the Lowry Park Zoological Society, and the Lowry Park Zoo Endowment Foundation will neither sell nor trade a donor’s personal information to any other entity without the written permission of the donor.
Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa, INC.: Registration No. CH140
Lowry Park Endowment Foundation, INC.: Registration No. CH20389
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Phone: (800) 435-7352
FloridaConsumerHelp.com
For the safety of our animals, guests and employees, the following items are not permitted to be brought into ZooTampa:
The following items are also prohibited to avoid blocking of walkways and/or trip hazards:
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.
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:
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!
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.
