World Environment Day

Happy World Environment Day! The world has been celebrating this UN holiday since 1974, making this the 45th year of shining light on environmental issues. This year, the holiday is shedding light on an ever-growing problem —air pollution— with the theme “Beat Air Pollution”. China is this year’s host, and chose this particular theme with the hope that we will consider changes we can make in our everyday lives in order to reduce the amount of air pollution we produce.

Nine out of 10 people on this planet are exposed to levels of air pollutants that are above World Health Organization (WHO) safe levels. There are five main human sources of air pollution, and they include:

  1. Household air pollution: The main source is the burning of fossil fuels, wood, and other biomass-based fuels in order to cook, heat, and light homes.
  2. Industry: Coal-burning, diesel generators (in off-grid areas) and solvent use (in chemical and mining industries) are the biggest culprits when it comes to industry/production.
  3. Transport: Air pollution emissions from transport alone have been linked to ~400,000 premature deaths, and people living in major traffic arteries are up to 12% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia in their lifetime.
  4. Agriculture: Livestock (producing methane and ammonia), rice paddies (producing methane), and the burning of agricultural waste are the biggest contributors to air pollution in this sector.
  5. Waste: It is estimated that, globally, 40% of waste is openly burned. Open waste burning, along with organic waste in landfills, release harmful dioxins, furans, methane, and fine particulate matter (like black carbon) into the atmosphere. Currently, open burning of waste is practiced in 166/193 countries.

Here are some ways that you can help combat this issue:

  • Turn off electronics and lights when not in use
  • Compost organic waste
  • Use energy efficient bulbs and appliances
  • Carpool, use public transport, bike, or walk when possible
  • Avoid idling your car

Want to test your knowledge on reducing air pollution? Check out this quiz found here: https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/take-quiz

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.