Tampa’S Lowry Park Zoo
Just 1 hours away from the bright lights of Orlando's theme parks, visitors to Florida will find Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa. Here approximately 2,000 animals reside in 56 acres of natural habitats.
What's so great about Lowry Park Zoo?
Well there are 8 different animal and habitat areas for a start, featuring species from around the globe. These are: Safari Africa & Ituri Forest, Wallaroo Station, Asian Gardens, Sulawesi Aviary, Main Free-flight Aviary, Florida Boardwalk, Florida Manatee & Aquatic Center and Primate World.
Visitors will meet a whole myriad of animals from giraffes, tigers, elephants, koalas, pigmy hippos, chimpanzees, leopards, wallabies, meerkats and penguins to birds of prey and animals native to Florida. In fact think of an animal and it can more than likely be found at Lowry Park Zoo.
What is there to do?
The zoo offers endless fun with animal interaction. Visitors really can get up close and personal with the inhabitants, especially when it's feeding time at the zoo. There are opportunities to feed the giraffes, white rhinos, goats, Bushland Budgies and Lorikeets. Visitors can walk with wallabies and ride on a pony, llama or camel. They can even have their fingers tickled by inquisitive stingray at Stingray Bay.
What rides are at Lowry Park Zoo?
This wouldn't be a Florida attraction if there weren't a few themed rides on offer for the family. All of the following are included in the zoo admission price: Outback Bumper Boats, Overland Express, Tasmanian Tiger Family Coaster, Gator Falls Flume Ride, Jungle Carousel and Boomer's Flyin' Bananas. Expect water splashes, lurching stomachs, screams and laughter!
What else is on offer?
As well as feeding the inhabitants, visitors can learn about them in special encounter shows and talks given by the zoo keepers. And for little ones who just fancy a splash about, there are 2 water play areas called Manatee Fountains and Billabong Fountains. As with all good attractions, there are souvenirs and toys available in not one, but many gift shops throughout the zoo, as well as on-site dining facilities.
When is it open and how much does it cost?
Lowry Park Zoo is open 363 days a year, only closing for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The gates open at 9.30am and close at 5pm. A one day pass costs $24.95 for adults, $22.95 for seniors 60 years and over and $16.95 for kids 3-11 years old. There are often special deals on offer for families.
Visiting at Christmas
To celebrate the festive holidays, Lowry Zoo Park transforms into a Wild Wonderland. On special dates during December visitors can experience the zoo illuminated with Christmas lights and adorned with decorations. Highlights include a 100ft Arctic Freeze Ice Slide, a Frozen Forest, a musical light show, reindeer, faux snow flurries, Frosty and friends walk-around characters and a fantasy village with animated window displays called Wonder and Delight.
Admission to Wild Wonderland is $13 for adults and $11 for kids aged 3-11.
Given Lowry Park Zoo's close proximity to Orlando, a day trip here is a great addition to theme park and DisneyWorld based holidays. Oh and the parking is free, so why not hop in the hire car and give it a visit.
What's so great about Lowry Park Zoo?
Well there are 8 different animal and habitat areas for a start, featuring species from around the globe. These are: Safari Africa & Ituri Forest, Wallaroo Station, Asian Gardens, Sulawesi Aviary, Main Free-flight Aviary, Florida Boardwalk, Florida Manatee & Aquatic Center and Primate World.
Visitors will meet a whole myriad of animals from giraffes, tigers, elephants, koalas, pigmy hippos, chimpanzees, leopards, wallabies, meerkats and penguins to birds of prey and animals native to Florida. In fact think of an animal and it can more than likely be found at Lowry Park Zoo.
What is there to do?
The zoo offers endless fun with animal interaction. Visitors really can get up close and personal with the inhabitants, especially when it's feeding time at the zoo. There are opportunities to feed the giraffes, white rhinos, goats, Bushland Budgies and Lorikeets. Visitors can walk with wallabies and ride on a pony, llama or camel. They can even have their fingers tickled by inquisitive stingray at Stingray Bay.
What rides are at Lowry Park Zoo?
This wouldn't be a Florida attraction if there weren't a few themed rides on offer for the family. All of the following are included in the zoo admission price: Outback Bumper Boats, Overland Express, Tasmanian Tiger Family Coaster, Gator Falls Flume Ride, Jungle Carousel and Boomer's Flyin' Bananas. Expect water splashes, lurching stomachs, screams and laughter!
What else is on offer?
As well as feeding the inhabitants, visitors can learn about them in special encounter shows and talks given by the zoo keepers. And for little ones who just fancy a splash about, there are 2 water play areas called Manatee Fountains and Billabong Fountains. As with all good attractions, there are souvenirs and toys available in not one, but many gift shops throughout the zoo, as well as on-site dining facilities.
When is it open and how much does it cost?
Lowry Park Zoo is open 363 days a year, only closing for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The gates open at 9.30am and close at 5pm. A one day pass costs $24.95 for adults, $22.95 for seniors 60 years and over and $16.95 for kids 3-11 years old. There are often special deals on offer for families.
Visiting at Christmas
To celebrate the festive holidays, Lowry Zoo Park transforms into a Wild Wonderland. On special dates during December visitors can experience the zoo illuminated with Christmas lights and adorned with decorations. Highlights include a 100ft Arctic Freeze Ice Slide, a Frozen Forest, a musical light show, reindeer, faux snow flurries, Frosty and friends walk-around characters and a fantasy village with animated window displays called Wonder and Delight.
Admission to Wild Wonderland is $13 for adults and $11 for kids aged 3-11.
Given Lowry Park Zoo's close proximity to Orlando, a day trip here is a great addition to theme park and DisneyWorld based holidays. Oh and the parking is free, so why not hop in the hire car and give it a visit.
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