Our History
1930
Tampa’s Zoo Opens
The City of Tampa opened and maintained a zoo at Plant Park on the grounds of the University of Tampa. The animals in our care were primarily indigenous animals such as raccoons, alligators and an aviary of exotic birds.
1957
The Zoo Moves to Lowry Park
Mayor Nick Nuccio moved the Tampa City Zoo to Lowry Park, where it was maintained by Tampa’s Parks Department. The Zoo shared the park with Fairyland.
1970
Focus Shifts to Upgrading the Zoo
As the animals continued to grow through the 1970s, the need to upgrade the habitats and present the animals in natural settings became an issue fully embraced by the Tampa Bay community, which resulted in the formation of an organization dedicated to building a first-class zoological garden.
1981
The Lowry Park Zoo Association is formed
The Tampa Parks Department and Citizens Advisory Board call for zoo improvements. The Lowry Park Zoo Association formed at the suggestion of the Tampa Parks Department, Mayor Bob Martinez, and private citizens who shared a common vision. Its mission was to raise awareness of Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo and promote a public-private partnership to fund the renaissance of Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Soon after, the Zoo Association embarked on a $20 million capital campaign, and the City of Tampa committed $8 million.
1988
A Rejuvenated Lowry Park Zoo re-opens
The Zoo Association became the Lowry Park Zoological Society, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the management and ongoing development of a superior zoological garden. The Zoo re-opened on March 5, 1988 with a Free-Flight Aviary, Asian Domain, Primate World and the Children’s Village/Petting Zoo.
1989
The Zoo Gains AZA Accreditation
The Zoo received accreditation from the Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums.
1990
The Florida Wildlife Center opens
The Florida Wildlife Center opened (now known as Mason M. and Charles P. Lykes Florida Wildlife Center).
1995
Event Pavilion Constructed
A 10,000-square-foot pavilion was constructed to provide an area for meeting and banquet facilities, educational programs and special exhibitions.
1996
A Zoo for Everyone
The Zoo made history by becoming the highest attended non-profit zoo in Florida.
1997
Interactive Areas & Amphitheaters Unveiled
A 1,500-square-foot interactive area was built featuring hands-on displays, exhibits, artifacts, videos and a small insect zoo. An adjoining amphitheater was later added for the Zoo’s “Reptile Encounter” programs; and a “Birds of Prey” amphitheater was constructed to allow visitors to soar with a variety of owls, hawks, eagles and falcons.
1998
Whimsical & Wild Jungle Carousel
The Zoo added a Jungle Carousel featuring 33 handcrafted figures of animals that take kids on a whimsical, wildlife adventure.
2000
Zoo School Bell Rings as classes open for first time
The Florida Environmental Education Center, “Zoo School,” opened on the area once occupied by Fairyland.
2002
Wallaroo Station Unvieled
Wallaroo Station, an Australian-themed area for young children and families opened.
2004
Zoo Recognition
The State of Florida formally recognized the Zoo as a center for biodiversity and conservation.
2004
Africa Realm Opens
The Zoo opened the first phase of Africa – the largest realm opening since ZooTampa reopened its doors in 1988.
2006
Expedition Africa Safari Ride Opens
The Zoo introduced a new behind-the-scenes Safari Ride called Expedition Africa, a guided tour of the Africa habitat area.
2007
The Zoo Adds Penguin Beach & More
Several notable additions were made to better serve the record number of visitors: a collection of five new habitats known as the Ituri Forest within Africa; a colony of African penguins in a new year-round outdoor habitat called Penguin Beach; and a newly remodeled Asian Gardens area.
2009
The Best Zoo for Kids
Parents magazine, the nation’s leading parenting magazine with a community of 15 million readers, named ZooTampa at Lowry Park the best Zoo for kids in its first ever “10 Best Zoos” survey.
2013
More than 300 Manatees Cared For
A milestone was reached at the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center, having taken in more than 300 manatees since 1991.
2013
Nonprofit of the Year
The Zoo is named Nonprofit of the Year (Environment and Animals), by Tampa Bay Business Journals.
2014
Veterinary Hospital & Animal Nutrition Center Completed
The 12,000 square foot Catherine Lowry Straz Veterinary Hospital and 2,000 square foot Animal Commissary were completed.
2014
Clinical Fellowship Established at University of Florida
A 2-year graduate clinical fellowship was established with the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, combining clinical training in zoological and aquatic medicine with graduate study in manatee health and conservation.
2014
Raking in the Awards
The Zoo was awarded the Edward H. Bean Award (African bush elephant program) by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), as well as the Travelers’ Choice™ award and Certificate of Excellence award from TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site.
2015
Wallaroo Renovated
Renovation was completed at Wallaroo Station – a 4.5-acre Australian-themed, family-friendly park area that includes an interactive petting zoo, water play area, and delicious dining.
2016
Unforgettable Seasonal Events Introduced
New seasonal events, like Creatures of the Night & Christmas in the Wild, were introduced to bring the holidays to another level for families to enjoy.
2018
The Zoo Becomes ZooTampa at Lowry Park
The Zoo redefined its Vision, Mission, and Brand for the future and a new logo was introduced: ZooTampa at Lowry Park. The Zoo began modernizing the Florida pathways with the opening of Roaring Springs.
2018
Roaring Springs Opens with a Splash
An all-new water adventure ride was announced – Roaring Springs! This marked the first phase of the Florida realm’s full refurbishment, complete with an updated Florida panther habitat, updated water habitats & more!
2021
The Frosty® Cart by Wendy’s® – the first-of-it’s-kind in the country – Opens in Wallaroo
ZooTampa and The Wendy’s Company began an exciting partnership with the launch of an original concept and delicious way for guests to stay cool in the Florida sunshine. The Frosty® Cart by Wendy’s®, the first-of-it’s-kind in the country, is located at the Wallaroo section of the Zoo’s Australia-themed family area and features classic chocolate and vanilla Frosty treats, Frosty Fusions, and a Build-Your-Own Frosty Sundae option. Guests can enjoy Lucky Charms™, marshmallows or Oreo® cookie pieces on their Wendy’s® Frosty!
2021
Adventure Awaits on the All-New Expedition Wild Africa
The original Expedition Africa Tram Ride was retired, reimagined, and rebuilt to bring an all-new safari tour to Zoo-goers. Guests become “research interns” and travel aboard our custom-built open-air expedition vehicles through the Habari Preserve to get up-close with many of our African animals, while the Habari Preserve team teaches them about the amazing animals that call the preserve home. Founder of the preserve Professor Ron Treadway and ZooTampa research assistants lead the orientation tour, where guests learn how we’re working hard to continue our mission to save wildlife in wild places.
2021
ZooTampa Safely Welcomes Its One Millionth Visitor of 2021
ZooTampa celebrated an attendance milestone for fiscal year 2021 by surprising its millionth visitor with a GET WILD SAFELY celebration. The Insixiengmay family, from Apple Valley, Minnesota, was greeted by an entourage of Zoo team members, gifts and much more. Despite COVID safety protocols that restricted crowd flow, ZooTampa hit its highest attendance ever during 2021.
2021
The Zoo Celebrates a Banner Year with Several Awards
ZooTampa proudly achieved many milestones in 2021, and was recognized with awards by several organizations, including:
- 2021 Travelers’ Choice by Tripadvisor
- Best of Weddings 2021 by The Knot
- Winner of Best Family Attraction of 2021 by Tampa Magazines readers
- Winner of Best of South Tampa 2021 by South Tampa Magazine readers
