Four Extremely Rare Red Wolf Pups Born at ZooTampa at Lowry Park

By Jennifer Galbraith, Animal Care Professional – Florida Mammals

Red wolves are a species that once inhabited the entire Southeast region including Florida. Red wolf populations were decimated in the early part of the 20th century due to habitat loss and predator control programs. Today, they are critically endangered, with only around 200 red wolves remaining in zoos and reintroduction areas. ZooTampa at Lowry Park recently debuted a new red wolf habitat designed to give guests an up-close view of these incredible animals. Red wolves are known for being reclusive and shy with varied colorations, making them almost invisible in their natural environment. However, with the habitat’s new floor-to-ceiling windows guests have a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of these incredible animals.

The Zoo recently introduced a young pair of wolves with the hope that a new generation would soon follow. Our female wolf, “Yona” which means “Bear” and our male, Apollo named after the mythological Greek God who was said to derive from a wolf are both three years old. The introduction took place in early December and the pair quickly became comfortable with each other in their new habitat.  Red Wolves form small family packs with just a male, female and their pups.

Valentine’s Day is extra special for red wolves because it falls right in the heart of Red Wolf breeding season. Breeding season starts in January and goes through the end of February with pups being born in March through May. Near the end of February 2018, Yona and Apollo were observed to be breeding. Over the next 60 days, Yona dug a den under the cypress logs in the center of the habitat, and on April 28th the first faint cries of newborn pups could be heard! Two days later it was possible to visually confirm 4-5 pups curled up around mom. The pups are slowly emerging from their den and guests can see them starting to explore their habitat. It appears Cupid’s arrow has hit the mark, increasing the size of our red wolf family as well as the chances of this beautiful animal reclaiming its role in the wild.

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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.