ZT Saves

Our Green Initiatives

Exciting construction updates are happening to our front gate arrival plaza!
During this time, a temporary entrance and exit will be in place.

ZooTampa will be closing at 2pm on Thursday, September 18th to host a special event
for the Association of Zoos and Aquarium's Annual Conference. Last entry will be at 1pm.

ZooTampa will be open extended hours on select days this spring!
View Extended Hours >>  Plan My Trip >>

Green Initiatives - ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Our Social Responsibility

Human impact on the planet is profound and pervasive, affecting land, water, and air, both near and far. In our mission to save and protect wildlife and wild places, we are committed to meaningful green practices that help conserve our valuable natural resources.

Join us for our next recycling drive on ….

Mission of ZooTampa’s Green Team

Identify resource conservation opportunities within our park and throughout our community.

In-Park Green Initiatives

Water & Electrical Upgrades

From water circulation and filtration systems in animal habitats to the use of LED lights through the Zoo, we have programs in place that help save energy and reduce water consumption.

Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle

Where possible, we try to make use of our waste, figuratively and literally. Some initiatives call for the reuse of old materials, while others send our waste products off to facilities like local farms that can turn waste into compost.

Enhanced Sustainable Options

We have found opportunities across several departments where we could swap our products to reduce our eco-footprint, from eliminating plastic bags in retail to offering to aluminum cups and bottles to staff and guests.

Community Involvement

Preserving Our Waterways

ZooTampa partners with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful to conduct quarterly river and park cleanups that directly impact our environment.

Collaboration & Outreach

Our Manatee Rescue & Stranding team participates in community events that educate the community on environmental issues impacting Florida species.

Education & Awareness

We engage our guests including thousands of school children on how they can actively protect the world we share.

Our Green History

2025 - 2026

  • Introduced biodegradable ponchos made from cornstarch into our gift shops.
  • Upgraded to cash recycling machines in the Zoo’s Business Office effectively eliminating the use of 18K plastic cash deposit bags a year.
  • Modified bank pick up days from 3 times a week to 1 time a week, cutting down on monthly gas emissions.
  • Installed two Coca-Cola reverse vending machines.
  • Launched partnership with MANG shirts in retail shops which resulted in 166 mangrove trees to be planted.
  • Installing water circulation and filtration systems to the flamingo habitat.
  • Installing water circulation and filtration systems to the gator habitat.

2024

  • ZooTampa became Circular Economy Certified by Circular Solutions Advisors.
  • Conducted a TECO Energy Audit.
  • Introduced aluminum bottles as an option for guests.
  • Participated in SAFE Shark and Ray Fish Choice Assessment on Sustainable Seafood.
  • Upcycled mining sand into hurricane sandbags.
  • Utilized reusable stainless-steel trays for portioning out stingray food for guest purchase.
  • Transitioned lightbulbs to LED.
  • Installed energy efficient thermostat and HVAC system in Savannah Oasis.
  • Changed to clear bags for recycling containers increasing recycling efficiency.
  • 1,551 lbs of locally sourced food.

2023

  • Launched the Zoo’s Upcycling Wreath Contest for team members.
  • Received first Re(purposed) Mazuri grain bag bench through the packaging with (Re) purpose grain bag recycle program.
  • Conducted the Hose2Habitat enrichment workshop.
  • Managed a habitat restoration project with Ecosphere Restoration Institute.
  • Participated in City and County recycling art and poetry contests.
  • Conducted the first collaborative clean-up with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful on the Hillsborough River.

2022

  • Began e-trash recycling in partnership with Urban E-Recycling which resulted in 18k pounds of electronics collected.
  • Recycled 11k pounds of holiday lights.
  • Worked with Tampa Electric to upgrade more than 100 light fixtures to energy-efficient LED lighting technology.
  • Secured new recycling and trash bins to increase guests’ awareness of recycling practices.
  • Reusable stainless steel water bottles were given to all new hires during orientation.
  • Replaced paper bags from the gift shop to only offer totes made from recycled materials.
  • Installed a cover on the carboard recycling container, increasing the probability of the material being recycled at Waste Management.

2021-2020

  • Hosted our first zero-waste event called Comedy for Conservation.
  • First zoo globally to implement recyclable aluminum cups for guests to replace plastic cups in partnership with Ball Corporation and Coca-Cola.
  • Continued to systematically switch to more sustainable options for cutlery (cups, silverware, and food boats) and paper in our food locations.
  • Improved manatee filtration system.
  • Began offering alternative transportation options for team members to use behind the scenes.

2015-2019

  • Green Team created.
  • Eliminated single use plastic straw in the 1990’s.
  • Installed efficiency flooring at manatee medical pools.
  • Upgraded Sulawesi and Lake Sharon filtration.
  • Event lighting switched to LEDs.
  • Replaced R-22 AX units
  • Began sending animal waste to organic farm for composting.
  • Used stainless steel cups for lorikeet feeding.
  • Started to systematically switch to more sustainable options for cutlery (cups, silverware, and food boats) and paper in our food locations.
  • Reduced use of paper timesheets.
  • Began selling sustainable and eco-friendly souvenir in our gift shops.
  • Began recycling wood pallets.
  • Replaced plastic bags in gift shop with paper bags.
  • Participated in Plastic Free July for the first time.
  • Began tracking energy, fuel, waste for AZA Annual Report on Conservation and Science (ARCS).
  • Installed reverse vending machine by Coca-Cola.

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.
More Info

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.

Book Field Trip

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.

Camp 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, 2027 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 9/31/27 will expire on 12/31/2027.

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

2027:

10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30 (only after 4:00PM during Creatures of the Night)

11/26 – 11/27, 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).
Buy a Blockout Upgrade

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!

Buy Zoo Fun Tickets

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.