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:
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:
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:
Meet at the Signature Encounter Meeting Area at the front of the Zoo, near Guest Services, 10 minutes prior to your encounter time.
Ticket Requirements:
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:
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:
Encounter Time:
Daily at 12:15 PM and 12:30 PM
Age Requirements:
Open to ages 5 and up
Meeting Location:
Meet at the African Penguin habitat in Africa 10 minutes prior to your encounter time.
Ticket Requirements:
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:
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:
Experience is FREE with your admission, but only available at set times during the day. Check the Lorikeet Aviary for a schedule. Feedings may be available for a nominal fee at the time of your experience. See a team member at the Lorikeet Landing Aviary for more information.
Age Requirements:
Open to all ages
For select dates in March and April we will have additional spots available for popular encounters.
March 11-19
March 25 & 26
March 18 & 19
March 25 & 26
April 1 & 2
April 8 & 9
April 15 & 16
April 22 & 23
April 29 & 30
4:30 PM & 4:45 PM
5:30 PM
You’ve seen the stories on TV, now experience them in real life on a Secrets of the Zoo Tour! Go behind-the-scenes and explore the amazing species, animal care team, and locations featured on the show. Meet the animal and human stars from your favorite episodes, get an in-depth look at how we care for our animals, hear the inside scoop of the stories featured, and what it takes to film the show. Each tour focuses on a different realm and offers an up-close, hands-on experience you can’t get anywhere else!
TIME
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
COSTS
Members: $100
Non-Members: $120
DATES
April 8 – Florida
April 15 – Africa
April 22 – Aviary
April 29 – Ambassadors
May 6 – Asia
May 13 – Reptiles & Amphibians
May 20 – Primates
Tickets are sold out. Already booked? Visit our special event page for more details.
Open today from:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
