ZT Saves

Florida Conservation

Florida Conservation - ZooTampa at Lowry Park

ZT Saves: Florida Wildlife

We are a leader in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of Florida species. From majestic manatees and critically endangered Florida panthers to iridescent indigo snakes and playful otters, our team is at the forefront of helping the diverse species that call the Sunshine State home.

Florida Manatees

This threatened species has been at the heart of our commitment to the conservation of Florida wildlife for more than 20 years. At our state-of-the-art David A Straz, Jr. Manatee Care Center, the manatee animal care and veterinary teams have rescued and rehabilitated more than 500 injured, sick and orphaned manatees, with more than 280 of those reintroduced into Florida waters.

Learn more

Florida Panther

We are one of top facilities in the world for the rehabilitation of endangered Florida panthers, and are home to three panthers that were unable to survive on their own in the wild due to permanent injuries. These panthers are now able to live a healthy and long life in our care and be ambassadors for their species.

Take Action

Each ONE of us can make a difference in the preservation of the ONE world we share. We encourage you to be a conservation leader in your home, community, and around the world! Small actions you take can make a huge impact on protecting and preserving wildlife and wild places.

Ways to Support Florida Wildlife

  • Manatee License Plate

  • Save the manatee license plate

    Save the Manatee License Plate

    When you buy a Save the Manatee license plate you’re directly supporting the Save the Manatee Trust Fund. This fund is vital for research, rescue, and conservation activities related to Florida’s manatees.
  • Panther License Plate

  • Protect the Panther speciality license plate

    Protect the Panther License Plate

    When you buy a Protect the Panther license plate you’re directly supporting the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund. Fees from license plate sales are the primary funding source for the FWC’s research and management of Florida panthers.
  • Adopt

  • Symbolically Adopt an Animal

    You can symbolically adopt an animal through our Share the Care adoption program and make your visits to the Zoo even more special. Your symbolic adoption helps to support expert animal care at the Zoo and global conservation efforts.
  • Donate

  • Donate to ZooTampa

    Your donation to ZooTampa provides crucial support for our animal care, education programs, and wildlife conservation efforts. As a non-profit organization, the Zoo depends on contributions from donors like you to help enrich the lives of animals, and inspire generations of youth to protect our natural heritage.
Save the manatee license plate

Save the Manatee License Plate

When you buy a Save the Manatee license plate you’re directly supporting the Save the Manatee Trust Fund. This fund is vital for research, rescue, and conservation activities related to Florida’s manatees.
Protect the Panther speciality license plate

Protect the Panther License Plate

When you buy a Protect the Panther license plate you’re directly supporting the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund. Fees from license plate sales are the primary funding source for the FWC’s research and management of Florida panthers.

Symbolically Adopt an Animal

You can symbolically adopt an animal through our Share the Care adoption program and make your visits to the Zoo even more special. Your symbolic adoption helps to support expert animal care at the Zoo and global conservation efforts.

Donate to ZooTampa

Your donation to ZooTampa provides crucial support for our animal care, education programs, and wildlife conservation efforts. As a non-profit organization, the Zoo depends on contributions from donors like you to help enrich the lives of animals, and inspire generations of youth to protect our natural heritage.
ZT Saves - One Mission, One World

Help Conserve Florida Wildlife

Each ONE of us can make a difference in the preservation of the ONE world we share. We encourage you to be a conservation leader in your home, community, and around the world! Small actions you take can make a huge impact on protecting and preserving wildlife and wild places. Consider making a donation to ZooTampa. Your support helps provide crucial support for our animal care, education programs and wildlife conservation efforts.

Please review our booking tips before continuing

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.

Pay For A Day Tickets

With a new Pay For A Day, Rest of Year Free ticket – for a limited time – you get unlimited admission through December 31, 2023 including access to our seasonal event series. Some blockout dates apply — see below for details. Not valid with any other discounts.

When does my Pay For A Day ticket expire?

For a limited time, new Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free tickets are valid from the day of purchase until 12/31/2023 Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free tickets which were purchased prior to October 1st, 2022 are valid until 12/31/2022.

What are the blockout dates?

3/11/23 – 3/19/23
11/24/23 – 11/26/23
12/26/23 – 12/31/23

Can I purchase a Pay For A Day ticket on a blockout date?

Yes! You can purchase a Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free 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 Pay For A Day ticket on blockout dates?

If you already have your Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free 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, Pay For A Day ticket holders have access to significantly discounted single-day tickets.
  2. For a limited time from the date of purchase, Pay For A Day tickets can be upgraded to a Zoo Membership (with no blockout dates).
I purchased a Pay For A Day 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!
Still have questions? Email us or call (813) 935-8552 ext. 0.