Leadership Team

ZooTampa Executive Leadership
Joseph A. Couceiro

Joseph A. Couceiro

President & Chief Executive Officer

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, Couceiro oversees all aspects of the Zoo’s operations, ensuring managed growth. He is responsible for strategically leading the transformative quest of ZooTampa’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways. Before joining ZooTampa (ZT) in 2015, Couceiro was a member of the Executive Management Team for the Chicago Zoological Society serving as Vice President of Marketing & Communications. Couceiro also worked for SeaWorld and Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC), a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch, successively taking on progressively more challenging senior leadership roles during a notable 30-year career, including serving as Vice President of Marketing for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay from 2000–2003 and subsequently, as Vice President of Marketing for all five BEC parks in Florida, including SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. In 2006, he rose to the top marketing position at BEC as Chief Marketing Officer and Executive VP responsible for the worldwide marketing and sales for all ten SeaWorld/Busch Gardens attractions.

Scott Rose

Scott Rose

Senior VP, Chief Operating Officer

Rose is responsible for all activities that affect the aesthetics and overall quality of the Zoo’s campus. In collaboration with the Product Development Team, Rose directs the master planning, design and implementation of all ongoing Zoo improvements, future additions or modifications, and maintenance to facilities and exhibits at the Zoo. Rose is responsible for the oversight and review of all construction and horticulture.  Rose oversees the day-to-day activities of the following cross-functional sub-divisions… Park Operations, Audience Research, Guest Engagement, Park Quality,  Facilities Management, Construction, Retail Operations, Security and Emergency Medical Services.  Rose serves as group leader of the Zoo Operating Group and is responsible for coordinating the cohesiveness of the institution’s general operations. Rose brings more than 40 years of experience in theme park and attraction marketing, business development, and strategic planning. Prior to joining ZT, Rose served as the Chief Operating Officer at The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa. Previously, Rose spent 30 years working for SeaWorld and Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC), including management positions in six of BEC’s ten parks.

Leadership - ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Carolee Eason

Senior VP, Chief Financial Officer

Eason oversees Finance, Procurement, Risk Management, and Business Operations. She coordinates the institution’s long-term strategic and financial planning. Additionally, she serves as liaison with the board’s Finance and Audit Committees, and Endowment Foundation, helping to oversee the governance of ZooTampa. Eason has over two decades of experience in aligning fiscal strategy with mission. Prior to joining ZooTampa, Eason was the CFO at the Glazer Children’s Museum where she oversaw all financial functions including budgeting, forecasting, audit preparation, and investment oversight. Previously, Eason managed philanthropic and endowment funds at Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, ensuring compliance, optimizing performance, and modernizing systems in alignment with their mission.  Carolee has an MS, Accounting from the University of South Florida a BS, Accounting from Oral Roberts University, and is a licensed CPA.

Michelle Coleman

Michelle Coleman

Senior VP, Chief People Officer

Coleman joined the Zoo in 2018 and provides executive leadership for the organization’s human capital strategy, guiding organization-wide workforce planning and human resources operations in support of the Zoo’s mission, strategic plan, and long-term sustainability. She oversees human resources systems and analytics; talent acquisition, placement, and onboarding; policy development and regulatory compliance; total rewards and benefits strategy; employee relations; and workplace diversity, health, and safety. Through a data-informed and people-centered approach, she plays a critical role in strengthening organizational effectiveness, advancing employee engagement, and supporting the Zoo’s growth as a high-performing, values-driven, and compassionate workplace where all individuals feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Michelle serves as the organization’s liaison to the Human Capital Committee of the Board of Trustees, partnering with executive leadership and trustees to align talent strategy with institutional priorities and governance best practices. She is actively engaged in the local human resources community through Suncoast HR and HR Tampa, and contributes to broader industry collaboration through involvement with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

Prior to joining ZooTampa, Coleman spent more than 20 years in progressive human resources leadership across large, complex healthcare organizations, with deep expertise in organizational development, compliance, employee relations, and building inclusive, high-performing teams.  Outside of work, Michelle can be found boating as a US Coast Guard licensed captain, paddleboarding, fishing, golfing, or participating in trail race events.  She also enjoys spending time in agility training with her Australian shepherd. 

Mark Haney

Mark Haney

Senior VP. Chief External Relations Officer

Haney leads ZooTampa’s fundraising group, responsible for coordination of the institution’s overall philanthropic activities, including donor relations, corporate sponsorships and grant management.  He also serves as a proactive advocate for ZooTampa community programs, public funding and environmental issues at the local, state and federal levels.  Haney operates as liaison to ZooTampa’s Government Affairs Committee.  Haney previously served as the Vice President of Advancement at The Florida Aquarium and as the Director of Individual and Corporate Giving at Zoo Miami. In his spare time, he enjoys kayaking in Florida waterways and creating animal and abstract art.

Chris Massaro

Chris Massaro

Senior VP, Chief Zoological Officer

Massaro is responsible for creating a contemporary, dynamic and engaging zoo environment where wildlife conservation is accessible to guests, offering an immersive, safe experience as they discover the importance of preserving the one world we share. He is responsible for providing strategic leadership of ZooTampa’s animal care team and works to innovatively advance the overall zoological operations that exceed guest expectations and surpass all relevant regulatory animal welfare compliance requirements. He has more than 20 years of experience in the care, welfare, and management of animals right here in Tampa. Massaro has been responsible for advancing a number of our animal care programs, including developing a model elephant program that produced the first naturally conceived elephant calves ever born at ZT. Massaro is also a member of the AZA rhinoceros’ taxon advisory group, contributing his expertise, focus, and commitment to the long-term survival of rhinos both in human care and beyond.

Leadership - ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Dr. Meredith Persky

Senior VP, Chief Conservation & Animal Health Officer

Persky leads the Zoo’s animal health and science team including veterinary services, clinical operations, preventative medicine, nutrition services, and veterinary research. She is also responsible for cultivating a synergistic and strategic approach to ZooTampa’s conservation initiatives (ZT Saves) and education programming in alignment with compatible state and global partners to collaboratively help safeguard biodiversity. She guides the Program Unit to cohesively bring the Zoo’s conservation philosophies to life. Persky received her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and worked in immunology research for three years before attending veterinary school at The Ohio State University. She completed a two-year veterinary internship at the Indianapolis Zoo and received two years of residency training at the Kansas City Zoo before working as an associate veterinarian at Zoo Miami for four years. Dr. Persky joined the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens as a staff veterinarian in 2016, where she ultimately served as the Director of Animal Health. Meredith is a board certified specialist in zoological medicine TM through the American College of Zoological Medicine and is a certified manatee critical care veterinarian. She is a member of the American Association of Zoological Veterinarian’s Ethics and Professional Practice Committee. Dr. Persky is excited to become part of ZooTampa’s Executive Leadership Team as Senior Vice President, Chief of Conservation and Wildlife Health Officer. 

Outside of work, Meredith can be found searching the beach for shark teeth, swimming, practicing yoga, listening to podcasts, planning her next travel destination, or spending time with her two-legged and four-legged family members.

Sandra Torres

Sandra Torres

Senior VP, Chief Marketing Officer
Torres directs the Zoo’s Marketing and Communications Team, developing strategic initiatives that enhance the Zoo’s brand, image and profile with consumers and within the zoological community; consequently, generating aspirational demand to visit ZooTampa and inspire others to preserve wildlife. Additionally, she oversees tourism sales and the Zoo’s event production team which develops and implements seasonal consumer events and manages the execution of private social functions ranging from weddings to corporate parties. Torres has more than 20 years of national and international experience in integrated marketing, media relations, promotions, brand development, strategic planning, and crisis management. Prior to joining ZooTampa, Torres worked in various leadership roles for the Florida collection of Busch Gardens & SeaWorld parks in addition to project management of some of the company’s activities in Brazil, Latin America and Puerto Rico. As a consultant, Torres’ clients included many organizations within the travel & tourism and non-profit industries including ZooTampa for whom she managed the field production of Nat Geo Wild’s Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa prior to officially joining the team in August 2019.
Jennifer McLachlan

Jennifer McLachlan

VP, Conservation Learning

McLachlan leads the team who oversees ZooTampa’s onsite Zoo School as well as community goodwill and educational programs. She ensures follow through on the Zoo’s commitment to a more equitable future for our community. McLachlan coordinates the alignment of ZTSaves in-park and fieldwork initiatives. She manages ZooTampa’s interpretive messaging to advance conservation awareness and inspire a love of nature and dedication to the well-being of wildlife. McLachlan guides the Green Team on driving impactful and sustainable workplace practices. She brings over 20 years of experience in the environmental education field, inclusive of work within a nonprofit zoological setting.

Cheryl Larsen

Cheryl Larsen

VP, Business Operations

Larsen oversees in-park revenue programs: Food & Beverage, Photo, etc. She also directs other essential business operations including Information Technologies and the evaluation of business models by harnessing process improvement practices (TQM) to maximize operating efficiencies for new or evolving revenue opportunities and related guest experiences. Larsen has over 25 years of experience in the zoological community constantly taking on new and more challenging functional priorities and previously served as ZooTampa’s VP of Operations, Larsen now brings that extensive experience and perspective to her current role.

Rhonda Horn

Rhonda Horn

Executive Assistant to CEO & Senior Director of Administration

Horn is responsible for a wide-range of administrative functions critical to the success of ZooTampa. She coordinates operational Zoo Units to enhance cross-functionality. Horn organizes the Zoo’s professional development recurrent training programs and performs as project manager on emerging priorities as assigned by CEO. Horn serves as liaison to the Board of Trustees.  Prior to joining ZooTampa, Horn spent 10+ years as Executive Assistant to the CEOs of PODS Enterprises, Visit Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay Partnership. In 2014, Horn founded the EAs of Tampa Bay, a group of executive assistants who support C-level executives at major corporations, universities, and businesses throughout the Tampa Bay area. Prior to becoming an Executive Assistant, Horn began her career as a promotions assistant, working her way up to management level and holding positions in marketing, advertising, and communications.

Karen Jubrail

Karen Jubrail

Senior VP, Chief Financial Officer

Jubrail oversees Finance, Legal, Procurement, Risk Management, and Business Operations. She organizes the institution’s long-term strategic and financial planning. Additionally, she works closely with the governance of ZooTampa at Lowry Park, including serving as liaison with the Finance and Audit Committees, and Endowment Foundation. Jubrail serves as group leader of the Zoo Business Development Group, responsible for coordinating the institution’s overall financial viability. Jubrail has 25 years of combined U.S. and international experience in the areas of finance & accounting, operations, human resources, IT, and development. Prior to joining ZooTampa, Karen was the CFO at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where she oversaw all financial aspects of the operation and led a number of IT, ERP system and expansion planning initiatives. She also served as the CFO/Assistant General Manager of the Zorlu Performing Arts Center in Istanbul, Turkey. Karen held the role of CFO at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Jubrail was also an active volunteer as Treasurer of the Glazer Children’s Museum Board of Directors and Chairman of the Finance Committee for many years.

THE LOWRY PARK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF TAMPA, INC.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Nelson Castellano, Board Chair

Dan Honegger, Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair

Stephanie Stanfield, Secretary

Marylou Bailey

Keenan Baldwin, Government Affairs Committee Chair

Sean Butler

Kerrie Campbell, Human Capital Committee Chair

Santiago Corrada

Frank Hancock, Audit Committee Chair

Curt Harbsmeier

John Medaska

Steve Stagg, Immediate Past Chair

Will Sievers, Nominating & Governance Committee Chair

BOARD MEMBERS

Dr. Ken Atwater

Ashley Barnett

Leah Bergoffen

Charlotte Brittain

Sandy Callahan

Casey Cathey

Council Chairman Alan Clendenin

Roz Doyle

Patrick Dussault

Commissioner Ken Hagan

Dr. Stacy Hahn

Heather Jordan-Holmes

Carl Lindell, Jr.

Devanand Mangar, MD

Governor Bob Martinez

Representative Lawrence McClure

Tom Piccolo

Bob Rasmussen

Dennis Rogero

David Seldin

Karen Sparkman

Kim Stohler

Catherine Lowry Straz

Keebler Straz

Jenna Tarapani

Robert Thomas

Ryan Toth

Carlton Ward, Jr.

Randy Zavertnik

LIFETIME HONORARY MEMBERS

Sally Lowry Baldwin (dec)

Mrs. Mason Lykes (dec)

Dick Stohler, Chair

Liz Dimmitt, Treasurer

Bet Snyder, Secretary

Carole Post, Director

Stacy Miller

The Lowry Park Zoo Endowment Foundation exists to ensure excellence in conservation and education programs, and meaningful recreational experiences with wildlife accessible to everyone. We also have a community of generous donors who support the endowment by:

  • Contributing an outright gift of cash or securities
  • Making a pledge, typically fulfilled over 1 to 3 years
  • Donating stock or other appreciated property
  • Providing a long-range contribution through a wide variety of estate plans to name a fund
  • Naming ZooTampa at Lowry Park in their will, as the beneficiary of life insurance, as part of a trust, or in their Individual Retirement Accounts

Job Fair

Please review our booking tips before continuing

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. 

Pizzas

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

Sub Sandwiches

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

Sides

Fries (V&V)

Mozzarella Sticks* (V)

Chicken Favorites

Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders Served With Fries

6 Wings

12 Wings

Wing Flavors: BBQ, Thai Chili, Buffalo

Lighter Meals

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

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. 

Gourmet Grilled Cheese

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

Loaded Mac

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

Loaded Tots

Classic Tots

Bacon, Cheese, Jalapeno Tater Tots

BBQ Pulled Pork Tots

BBQ Pulled Pork Tater Tots

Cheesy Tots (V)

Cheesy Tater Tots

Personal Pizza

Personal Pan Cheese Pizza (V)

Personal Pan Pepperoni Pizza

Other

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)

Sides

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. 

Handcrafted sandwiches

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

Lighter Meals

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.

Kids Meals

Served with fries or fresh fruit, kids’ toy, and kids’ juice box.

2 Slider Burgers*

Chicken Nuggets

Mac and Cheese (V)

Frozen Custard & Milkshakes

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

Snacks

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

Join our Summer Camp Waitlist

Parent/Guardian Name(Required)
Child's Name(Required)

Important Information

To complete your camp registration, you must:

  • Add camps to your shopping cart.
  • Enter roster information for each camp.
    • List all people that are authorized to pick-up your child from camp.
    • No camper will be released unless the adult picking up the child is on the authorized pick-up list and shows a photo ID.
  • Read and agree to the following documents:
  • Make payment.
  • Upon payment, you will receive a Confirmation Email with the above documents attached. Please print, sign, and return the Camp Waiver and Liability Release to EducationPrograms@ZooTampa.org or ZooTampa Summer Camp, c/o Jamie Elkington, 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604. All waivers MUST be received no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of your camp program or your registration is subject to cancellation.

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.

‘Tis the Season For Giving!

Donate to the ZooTampa Giving Tree

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:

  1. To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
  2. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
  3. To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.
  4. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
  5. To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.
  6. To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
  7. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.
  8. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.
  9. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.
  10. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.”

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.

FLORIDA STATE REGISTRATION

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.

DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES

Phone: (800) 435-7352
FloridaConsumerHelp.com

Christmas in the Wild Reservation Changes

  • This can be found in your original purchase or reservation confirmation email.
  • We will do our best to accommodate your request, however changes are based on availability. A member of our team will reach out to you via the contact information provided above within 48 hours. Note: an additional fee may apply to event tickets being changed to a higher priced event night. Thank you!

Commemorations

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
  • Bottled water (max 20oz bottle, sealed) one per guest
  • Small snacks for young children
  • Baby food/baby formula
  • Soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep (limit one per child)
  • Pre-purchased empty ZooTampa souvenir cups
  • Any food required for medical purposes and medically-indicated nutritional supplements
 Prohibited Items
  • Prepared or packaged food or meals
  • Alcohol
  • Glass or any open containers or water bottles filled with beverages
  • Hard-sided coolers of any size
  • Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep
  • Suitcases and soft-sided bags with wheels larger than 24” long x 15” wide x 18” high

Prohibited Items

For the safety of our animals, guests and employees, the following items are not permitted to be brought into ZooTampa:

  • Any type of explosive or weapon 
  • Knives or other sharp objects
  • Pepper spray
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Marijuana
  • Illegal drugs
  • Straws
  • Clothing likely to create a danger or disturbance
  • Any hazardous items or materials

The following items are also prohibited to avoid blocking of walkways and/or trip hazards:

  • Segways
  • Hover boards
  • Two-wheeled scooters
  • Self-balancing electric vehicles
  • Shoes with wheels
  • Drones
  • Hard-sided coolers of any size
  • Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep
  • Suitcases and soft-sided bags with wheels larger than 24” long x 15” wide x 18” high

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).

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.

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