Protecting Our Flock

Due to a confirmed case of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on a wild bird in our county, and out of an abundance of caution, ZooTampa is initiating preventative measures to ensure the safety of the animals in our care, which includes the temporary closing of some aviaries and relocation of select birds to alternate locations.

“People aren’t getting sick from this virus which has been identified in several states in its wild bird population,” stated Cynthia Stringfield, Sr. Director of Animal Health, Education and Conservation, “However, with 319 birds representing 96 different species in our care, we have to implement all necessary safeguards to protect our flock.”

Avian influenza is a viral infection that occurs naturally in birds. According to the USDA, no human cases of avian influenza have been detected in the United States.

“The safety of our animals, many of which are species that are under threat of extinction, is our utmost priority and we have proactive plans in place for various scenarios,” added Dr. Stringfield. “Since some of our habitats provide natural protection from wild birds, these modifications affect less than 20% of our habitats.”

ZooTampa works closely with the Florida state veterinary office, USDA, AZA, FWC and partner facilities to ensure mitigation protocols and plans meet or exceed recommendations.

“While protecting our avian population is a priority, we also implemented a plan to minimize the impact these modifications have on the guest experience,” concluded Dr. Stringfield. “We have expanded our Wildlife Connection program and are looking for ways to use this opportunity to educate guests and residents on ways they can safely live with the abundant wildlife that share the world we live in.”

FAQ

Q: Can I catch avian flu?

A: No known human infections have been reported in North America.

Q: What is avian flu and how does it spread?

A: The avian flu or bird flu is a virus that affects wild aquatic birds like ducks, geese, and swans, and it’s mostly spread through droppings or nasal discharge of infected birds.

Q: Have any birds at ZooTampa tested positive for avian flu?

A: No birds at ZooTampa have tested positive for avian flu.

Q: What is ZooTampa doing to protect its avian population?

A: ZooTampa is temporarily closing some of its aviaries and relocating some birds to alternate locations.

Q: Are all birds off public view at ZooTampa?

A: No, some of the habitats provide natural protection from wild birds, therefore those birds will remain in their current location.

Q: What can I do to help?

A: The Florida Wildlife Commission urges the public to avoid handling sick or dead wildlife, avoid direct contact with wild birds, prohibit the contact of domestic birds with wild birds, and report wild bird mortalities to FWC for investigation.

Last updated April 15, 2022

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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.