Press Room

Media Inquiries & Information

Welcome to ZooTampa’s online pressroom, designed to give media up-to-the-minute information on important conservation work, new exhibits, special events, births, and more. This press room provides a wealth of information for media, including press releases, a Speakers Bureau, fact sheets, downloadable videos, photos, logos, and request submission forms.

This section of our website is designed for working journalists only. ZooTampa at Lowry Park maintains an extensive library of photos and videos that is available to members of the media at no charge for use with proper credit with stories about our organization. Approval from our Media Relations Team is required for the use of ZooTampa photos and videos in stories in which the Zoo is not part of the editorial content.

Members of a production company and non-news media representatives must obtain approval from the Marketing Department for commercial use of this library (including use in textbooks and published materials, documentaries, television, web, etc.). However, use of our photos and videos must align with our organization’s mission and is subject to a fee.

Press Releases

ZooTampa hatches endangered Komodo dragons for first time, boosting numbers of the world’s largest lizard

After months of incubation, six baby reptiles break out of their shells TAMPA, Fla. (Sept. 13, 2023) – For the first time ever, ZooTampa at Lowry Park has hatched endangered Komodo

Eerie Family Frights Returns to Tampa Bay at ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night

The one-of-a-kind family event starts Sept. 29 TAMPA, Fla. (September 5, 2023) –Tampa Bay’s number one family Halloween celebration, Creatures of the Night, returns to ZooTampa at Lowry Park this fall.

Hot Summer Days are a Time for Cool Fun for ZooTampa Animals

Zoo staff use several tools to keep animals engaged, entertained, and cool despite the sweltering Florida heat TAMPA, Fla. (June 28, 2023) – Summer temperatures reaching the upper 90s are being

Media Downloads

Photo Gallery

Need photos of the Zoo for your story? Download our gallery of photos available for your use. These photos are for media use only and the property of ZooTampa. All photo credit can be given to ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Need something else? Let us know and we can get you additional photos specific to your story.

Download photos

Videos / B-Roll

We have compiled some clips of the Zoo for your use. Looking for something specific? Reach out to us and we would be happy to work with you on what you need to make your story a success!

Download b-roll

Logos

Need our logo for your story? Download them here. These logos are for media use only and the property of ZooTampa. All photo credit can be given to ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Need something else? Let us know and we can get you additional photos specific to your story.

Download logos

Speakers Bureau

Our Experts

You’d be surprised how many individuals, talents and backgrounds it takes to run the Zoo. ZooTampa is made up of a phenomenal team of experienced professionals in a variety of departments. Our staff experts are key to not only our day-to-day operations ensuring the highest quality of animal care and welfare for more than 1,000 animals but also to successes outside ZooTampa as we work to inspire conservation and protect and preserve wildlife.

Check out their areas of expertise below. For more information, please contact the Communications Department.

Chris Massaro

Senior VP, Zoological Operations

Areas of Expertise

20 years of experience in animal care and welfare
Zoo operations
Species planning (Led many of the Zoo’s breeding programs, including ZT’s first rhinoceros breeding program, resulting in the first successful birth of nine endangered Indian and Southern white rhinos
Serves as a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) rhinoceros’ taxon advisory group, contributing his expertise, focus, and commitment to the long-term survival of rhinos in human care and beyond

Dr. Melissa Nau, DVM

Sr. Director of Animal Health

Areas of Expertise

Zoological medicine
Wildlife rehabilitation – manatees
Animal behavior

Tiffany Burns

Senior Director of Animal Programs

Areas of Expertise

15 years of animal experience
Marine mammals
Marine mammals rehabilitation
Oversees Manatee Care team
Animal behavior
Mammal behavior management

Sue Pasquine

Curator of Behavioral Husbandry

Areas of Expertise

Animal behavior and welfare
Marine mammals training
Behavioral Management
Behavioral enrichment
Macaw Flyover redesign

Mike Burns

Senior Curator of Terrestrial Animals

Areas of Expertise

African elephants
Africa-based research
Demographic and behavioral studies of African elephants
Mammal behavior management
Elephant research published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology
Awarded the prestigious Edward H. Bean award through the American Zoological Association and the Behavior Management Innovation Award at ABMA

Molly Lippincott

Senior Curator of Florida and Marine Life

Areas of Expertise

Manatee rescue and rehabilitation
Orphan manatee care
Animal welfare
Diver
Volunteer management

Dan Costell

Associate Curator of Herps and Aquatics

Areas of Expertise

Herpetology
Oversees several conservation programs (Propagation and release of various endangered species, including the Eastern indigo snake and Puerto Rican crested toad)
Conservation research and planning
Reptiles reproduction and planning
Reptiles management

Angela Belcher

Curator of Primates & Asia

Areas of Expertise

Primate behavior and cognition
Primate social cognition
Animal cultures and cultural processes
Member of the Felid TAF clouded leopard committee