There are several ways you can make your next visit to ZooTampa more WILD!
Select one of the options below to jump to a section on this page for more information.
Add amazing moments to your day at ZooTampa with our unforgettable signature animal encounters. Reserve your spot today — spaces are limited.
Encounter Time:
Daily at 10:30 AM
Age Requirements:
Open to all ages
Meeting Location:
Meet at the Giant Tortoise habitat in Africa 10 minutes prior to your encounter time
Ticket Requirements:
Pricing:
Members: $14.95-$19.95
Non-Members: $19.95-$24.95
Go behind-the-scenes at our David A Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center to witness the lifesaving work that takes place every day to save sick, injured, and orphaned manatees. Follow the journey of one of our critical patients and learn from our expert animal care team what it takes to rescue, rehabilitate, and eventually release these majestic animals back to Florida waters. From the moment they arrive at ZooTampa through the months, and sometimes years, of treatment and rehabilitation, each manatee has a unique and amazing story of survival.
Encounter Time:
Daily at 1:15 PM
Age Requirements:
Open to ages 5 and up, but recommended for ages 12 and up
Meeting Location:
Meet at the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center in Florida 10 minutes prior to your encounter time.
Ticket Requirements:
Pricing:
Members: $14.95-$19.95
Non-Members: $19.95-$24.95
Now you can on this amazing encounter! Travel into Africa during this one-of-a-kind experience and go behind-the-scenes to meet the dedicated team who care for our “crash” every day while getting nose-to-horn with these critically endangered animals. Afterwards, guests will continue their adventure on a private safari tour and learn more about the animals who call Africa home.
Encounter Time:
Daily at 11:00 AM
Age Requirements:
Open to ages 5 and up
Meeting Location:
White Rhino Encounter will meet at Roaring Springs near the Black Bear viewing window, 10 minutes prior to your encounter time.
Ticket Requirements:
Pricing:
Members: $19.95-$24.95
Non-Members: $24.95-$29.95
Encounter Time:
Daily at 1:45 PM
Saturdays and Sundays at 1:15 PM and 1:45 PM
Age Requirements:
Open to ages 5 and up
Meeting Location:
Meet at the Indian Rhino habitat in Asia 10 minutes prior to your encounter time.
Ticket Requirements:
Pricing:
Members: $19.95-$24.95
Non-Members: $24.95-$29.95
Encounter Time:
Daily at 2:30 PM
Age Requirements:
Open to ages 5 and up
Meeting Location:
Meet your guide at Roaring Springs, near the black bear viewing window.
Ticket Requirements:
Pricing:
Members: $19.95-$24.95
Non-Members: $24.95-$29.95
Encounter Time:
Daily at 12:15 PM and 12:30 PM
Age Requirements:
Open to all ages
Meeting Location:
Meet at the African Penguin habitat in Africa 10 minutes prior to your encounter time.
Ticket Requirements:
Pricing:
Members: $19.95-$24.95
Non-Members: $24.95-$29.95
Get eye-to-eye with the world’s tallest animal as you participate in an interactive session with our giraffe family!
Encounter Time:
Wednesdays-Sundays at 1:00 PM and 1:15 PM
Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 AM and 10:45 AM
Age Requirements:
Open to ages 5 and up
Meeting Location:
Meet at the Giraffe Habitat in Africa, by the gate to the overlook, 10 minutes prior to your encounter time.*
*Please note the meet-up location for this encounter has recently been updated.
Ticket Requirements:
Pricing:
Members: $19.95-$24.95
Non-Members: $24.95-$29.95
Encounter Time:
Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 AM
Age Requirements:
Open to all ages
Meeting Location:
Meet at the Koala habitat in Wallaroo 10 minutes prior to your encounter time.
Ticket Requirements:
Pricing:
Members: $29.95
Non-Members: $34.95
