The City of Tampa opened and maintained a zoo at Plant Park on the grounds of the University of Tampa. The animals in their care were primarily indigenous animals, such as raccoons, alligators, and an aviary of exotic birds.

As the animal population continued to grow through the 1970s, the need to upgrade the habitats and present the animals in natural settings became an issue fully embraced by the Tampa Bay community, which resulted in the formation of an organization dedicated to building a first-class zoological garden.

The Lowry Park Zoo Association formed at the suggestion of the Tampa Parks Department, Mayor Bob Martinez, and private citizens who shared a common vision.

The Zoo Association became the Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa, Inc, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the management and ongoing development of a superior zoological garden. The Zoo re-opened on March 5, 1988 with a Free-Flight Aviary, Asian Domain, Primate World and the Children’s Village/Petting Zoo.

The Florida Wildlife Center opened (now known as Mason M. and Charles P. Lykes Florida Wildlife Center).

Saunders Pavilion, a 10,000-square-foot structure, was constructed to provide an area for meeting and banquet facilities, educational programs, and special exhibitions.

A 1,500-square-foot interactive area was built featuring hands-on displays, exhibits, artifacts, videos and a small insect zoo. An adjoining amphitheater, the Saunders Conservation Theater, was later added for the Zoo’s “Reptile Encounter” programs; and a “Birds of Prey” ZooVentures amphitheater was constructed to allow visitors to soar with a variety of owls, hawks, eagles and falcons.

The Florida Environmental Education Center, “Zoo School,” opened on the area once occupied by Fairyland.

The first phase of “Safari Africa” opened in May. The Zoo expansion created the current 61 acre site.

The Zoo opened the first phase of Africa – the largest realm opening since ZooTampa reopened its doors in 1988.

For the fiscal year ending September 2006, and for the first time in the Zoo’s history, ZooTampa exceeded one million visitors.

The Bank of America Safari Lodge, today known as the Savanna Oasis, opened.

ZooTampa is recognized and awarded AZA’s North American Conservation Award for it’s Manatee Care and Conservation Program.

The Zoo is named Nonprofit of the Year (Environment and Animals), by Tampa Bay Business Journals.

A 2-year graduate clinical fellowship was established with the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, combining clinical training in zoological and aquatic medicine with graduate study in manatee health and conservation.

The Catherine Lowry Straz Veterinary Hospital became the first ever zoo hospital to receive American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accreditation.

New seasonal events, like Creatures of the Night & Christmas in the Wild, were introduced to bring the holidays to another level for families to enjoy.

The Zoo redefined its Vision, Mission, and Brand for the future and a new logo was introduced: ZooTampa at Lowry Park. The Zoo began modernizing the Florida pathways with the opening of Roaring Springs.

The Sandy and Tom Callahan Center for Wildlife Conservation opens.

Zoo attendance surpasses 1.2 million.

The original Expedition Africa Tram Ride was retired, reimagined, and rebuilt to bring an all-new safari tour to Zoo-goers. Guests become “research interns” and travel aboard our custom-built open-air expedition vehicles through the Habari Preserve to get up-close with many of our African animals, while the Habari Preserve team teaches them about the amazing animals that call the preserve home. Founder of the preserve Professor Ron Treadway and ZooTampa research assistants lead the orientation tour, where guests learn how we’re working hard to continue our mission to save wildlife in wild places.

ZooTampa proudly achieved many milestones in 2021, and was recognized with awards by several organizations, including:

• 2021 Travelers’ Choice by Tripadvisor
• Best of Weddings 2021 by The Knot
• Winner of Best Family Attraction of 2021 by Tampa Magazines readers
• Winner of Best of South Tampa 2021 by South Tampa Magazine readers

The Zoo surpasses 600 manatees cared for since opening the critical care center in 1991.

The David A Straz, Jr Manatee Critical Care center expands with the addition of two more pools for manatee patients.

Florida Waters, the Zoo’s largest expansion to date opens with multiple new habitats including Manatee Rescue, Reptile & Amphibian Discovery, and Otter Oasis.